DOUGLAS, AZ: Multiple Department of Homeland Security agencies collaborated Monday to seize more than 8,000 pounds of marijuana, as well as arrest four suspects on federal drug trafficking charges.
According to a release from the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, the incident began when Border Patrol agents attempted to stop three vehicles suspected of transporting contraband near State Route 80, just outside Douglas, around 7 a.m.
Two of the drivers abandoned their vehicles and jumped into the third vehicle, which sped away.
Border Patrol agents requested help from CBP Air and Marine Operations and from ICE’s Homeland Security Investigations.
While federal agents pursued the suspects on the ground, a crew aboard an aircraft relayed information about their movements.
Once agents stopped and secured the vehicles, they discovered more than 8,000 pounds of marijuana, an estimated street value of $4.1 million.
“This seizure is a clear example of a collaborative enforcement effort between multiple agencies,” said Manuel Padilla, Jr., chief patrol agent for the Tucson Border Patrol Sector in the release.
The four suspects are currently in federal custody.
