NEW YORK: Agents with the Border Patrol’s Tucson sector seized over 2,500 pounds of marijuana worth almost $1.4 million the weekend of Oct. 3-4 near Douglas and Gila Bend.
A statement from U.S. Customs and Border Protection said that on Saturday night, agents noticed large objects being launched over the U.S.- Mexico boundary fence outside Douglas.
Agent Matthew Eisenhauer told the Associated Press that agents used thermal-imaging cameras to spot bundles of marijuana. According to an AP report, responding agents found approximately 80 bundles of marijuana 150 yards from the border. The drugs, valued just under $700,000, were taken to the Douglas station for processing.
Eisenhauer said officials were not sure exactly how the marijuana was launched over the fence. Reports from the AP and Customs said smugglers use creative methods to send drugs across the border, including air-powered cannons, catapults, ultralight aircraft, vehicle ramps and physically throwing them over the wall.
On Sunday, a canine from the Ajo station alerted agents to a camper trailer near a checkpoint on State Route 85 south of Gila Bend.
Agents uncovered 67 bundles of marijuana, weighing 1,388 pounds, during secondary inspection of the vehicle. The driver and occupant, identified as U.S. citizens, were arrested and sent to the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office for prosecution. Agents also seized the vehicle, camper and narcotics.
The Tucson Sector, which accounts for nearly half of all narcotics seizures nationwide, said seizures of narcotics have declined during the past year.
The agency said people can report suspicious activity to the Border Patrol and remain anonymous by calling 1-877-872-7435 toll-free.
