Sonoita checkpoint Marijuana busts

PHOTO: US Customs and Border Patrol

(Tucson, Ariz) - Tuesday, U.S. Border Patrol agents assigned to the Highway 83 Checkpoint located near Sonoita, Ariz., seized almost 600 pounds of marijuana with an estimated value of more than $475,000.

In two separate incidents, Agents working the Highway 83 Checkpoint prevented illicit smuggling attempts. While agents were conducting patrol, they encountered a vehicle and upon further inspection discovered bundles of dope in the backseat. The total weight of the marijuana was more than 240 pounds. The contraband was seized and held for processing.

In a second incident, agents referred a pickup truck to secondary. With the assistance of a canine unit agents uncovered a hidden compartment in the bed of the truck containing bundles of marijuana. The marijuana weighed more than 350 pounds with an estimated valued of $285,000. The vehicle and marijuana were transported to the Sonoita Station for processing.

Border Patrol agents are committed to preventing illegal drugs from reaching our communities. Specialty units, such as the canine units, continue to be extremely effective in finding illegal drugs. From Oct. 1, 2009, to Aug 31, 2010, the Tucson Sector Border Patrol seized more than 940,000 pounds of marijuana exceeding $752 million in value.

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