10/15/2009

News / CBP Agents Seize Marijuana Laden Horses, Pick-Up

Air Assets Optimize Effectiveness

Tucson, Ariz. – U.S. Border Patrol agents assigned to the Tucson and Sonoita Stations made two significant marijuana seizures in the past two days, totaling more than 2,400 pounds and valued at approximately $2 million.

Agents from the Tucson Station seized approximately 1,500 pounds of marijuana Sunday evening hidden in a pickup truck that was previously reported stolen. Agents responded to a location which indicated that a vehicle had illegally crossed the U.S./Mexico border.


When agents arrived at the area, they discovered the truck contained 70 bundles of marijuana with an estimated street value of $1.2 million. The driver and any passengers fled into the desert to avoid apprehension by the Border Patrol. The vehicle and marijuana were held for further processing.


Agents from the Sonoita Station, assisted by an Air and Marine helicopter, seized approximately 971 pounds of marijuana and several horses Monday afternoon. Agents responding to possible illegal border crossings in nearby mountains discovered horses carrying bundles of marijuana. Smugglers associated with the horses fled the area to avoid arrest.

The estimated street value of the marijuana is $776,800.00. The horses and marijuana were held for further processing. “The continued efforts of Border Patrol agents and our CBP partners continues to be effective in stopping these drugs from reaching our communities,” said Chief Robert Gilbert.


As agents become more vigilant in remote areas, smugglers become desperate in their attempt to smuggle marijuana into the United States. The use of horses and other tactics are signs of the Border Patrol’s effectiveness to secure our nation’s borders. Approximately 47 percent of the total marijuana seized on the southwest border is seized in the Tucson Sector.

http://www.cbp.gov/xp/cgov/newsroom/news_releases/10132009_2.xml

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