November 16, 10

NEWS / Smugglers Abandon Marijuana to Avoid Arrest

Tucson, Ariz. – Tucson Sector Border Patrol agents assigned to the Ajo station seized more than 2,755 pounds of marijuana in two separate seizures in the West Desert over the weekend.

In the first incident, agents discovered more than 1,575 pounds of marijuana with an estimated value of more than $1.2 million hidden in the brush. A thorough search of the area was conducted for the smugglers to no avail. The marijuana was taken to the Ajo station for processing.

In a second incident, agents working in the West Desert discovered an abandoned vehicle. Agents inspected the vehicle and discovered 18 bundles of marijuana, weighing more than 1,180 pounds. An exhaustive search of the area was conducted for the smugglers to no avail. The vehicle and marijuana were seized and taken to the Ajo station for processing. The marijuana was valued at over $946,000.

“The increased presence of Border Patrol agents in the west desert has forced the smugglers to frequently abandon their loads rather than risk the consequences of apprehension,” said Patrol Agent in Charge Jack Jeffreys.

Tucson Sector Border Patrol agents remain vigilant despite continuous attempts from smugglers to cross contraband into the U.S. Agents assigned to Tucson sector continue to be extremely effective at detecting and seizing illegal drugs.

http://www.cbp.gov/xp/cgov/newsroom/news_releases/local/11152010_5.xml