TUCSON – Agents from the US Border Patrol and Air and Marine Operations seized more than 1,100 pounds of marijuana, valued in excess of $550,000, last Monday morning near Nogales, Arizona, after backpacking smugglers abandoned their loads to avoid apprehension.
After agents operating cameras at the Nogales Border Patrol Station detected 35 suspected drug smugglers cross into the United States, Border Patrol agents and an Air and Marine Operations helicopter crew responded to investigate. Upon arrival, the aircrew saw smugglers drop their loads and run back to Mexico.
Technology strengthens and multiplies the Border Patrol’s effectiveness in a variety of scenarios in the Tucson Sector’s remote terrain. Agents are able to detect, identify, classify or deter many border incursions.
Customs and Border Protection welcomes assistance from the community. Citizens can report suspicious activity to the Border Patrol and remain anonymous by calling 1-877-872-7435 toll free.
Processing Murderer, Smuggler, Sex Offender All Part of the Job for Border Patrol Agents
TUCSON – Tucson Sector Border Patrol agents are processing several individuals taken into custody recently for multiple offenses, including one previously deported man convicted for sexually assaulting a minor.
On Nov. 10, Casa Grande Border Patrol agents took custody of five individuals apprehended by Arizona Department of Public Safety. During processing, agents identified one of the subjects as a foreign fugitive wanted for homicide. Agents immediately contacted Interpol and are now holding the fugitive pending prosecution for “reentry after removal”.
Nogales Border Patrol agents working at the inspection checkpoint Nov. 12 in Tubac, Arizona, asked the driver of a vehicle with a temporary license plate for consent to search the vehicle’s trunk. After the driver consented, agents found two Mexican nationals locked inside. Agents also noted that the trunk had no emergency release latches. Agents arrested the driver, a U.S. citizen, and his human cargo.
On Nov. 14, Nogales agents apprehended a male Mexican national previously incarcerated on a felony charge for sexual assault of a minor in Colorado three years earlier. After serving 18 months in prison, the court issued a “Final Order of Deportation”. He was removed from the U.S. in September 2014, through El Paso, Texas.
All subjects are being processed in accordance with Tucson Sector guidelines. Federal law allows the Border Patrol to charge individuals by complaint, a method that allows the filing of charges for criminal activity without inferring guilt. An individual is presumed innocent unless and until competent evidence is presented to a jury that establishes guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
Customs and Border Protection welcomes assistance from the community. Citizens can report suspicious activity to the Border Patrol by calling 1-877-872-7435 toll free. All calls will be answered and remain anonymous.
Operation Stonegarden Yields Marijuana, Currency, Results in Felony Arrests
TUCSON – An Arizona Department of Public Safety trooper, working in support of “Operation Stonegarden,” stopped a black Chevrolet Cobalt for a moving violation recently that set off an investigation leading to multiple felony arrests and the seizure of cars, drugs, money and a house.
After stopping the westbound vehicle Nov. 15 on Interstate 10 near Eloy, Arizona, the DPS trooper became suspicious and obtained permission from the driver to search his vehicle.
The search turned up 42 pounds of marijuana in 1-pound packs, but the stop also led to an investigation that ended with five felony arrests and the seizure of 2,800 pounds of marijuana, $45,000 in U.S. currency, four vehicles and a house.
The Operation Stonegarden Grant Program (OPSG) is designed to enhance cooperation and coordination from the U.S. Border Patrol with local, tribal, territorial, state and federal law enforcement agencies in a joint mission to secure the border.
Customs and Border Protection welcomes assistance from the community. Citizens can report suspicious activity to the Border Patrol and remain anonymous by calling 1-877-872-7435 toll free.
