Homeland Security seizes 3½ tons of marijuana south of Tucson

NACO, Ariz. – Special agents with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) are continuing to investigate the circumstances that led to three separate seizures totaling more than three tons of marijuana June 23 near the border south of Tucson.

Three days later, Border Patrol agents located an individual in the remote desert east of Bisbee who may be connected to the three seizures. The person, who was suffering from severe heat-related medical complications, was taken by air ambulance to a local hospital. Upon release from the hospital, the individual will be turned over to HSI for further investigation.                   

The enforcement actions culminating in the seizures began unfolding Tuesday after U.S. Customs and Border Protection Border Patrol agents in Naco located a vehicle containing over 2,600 pounds of marijuana. A short time later, HSI special agents, following up on leads stemming from the initial seizure, discovered another 1,600 pounds of marijuana abandoned at a residence in Bisbee. Later in the day, Wilcox Border Patrol agents uncovered a third cache of marijuana totaling more than 2,900 pounds. Based on evidence gathered in the case, HSI special agents were able to conclude that all three seizures were linked and stemmed from a single drug smuggling attempt.

Collectively, Tuesday’s enforcement actions resulted in the largest single-day seizure of marijuana in southeastern Arizona so far this fiscal year. HSI’s investigation is ongoing.