The Tucson sector of the U.S. Border Patrol has been active in recent days, apprehending illegal immigrants, seizing narcotics, and conducting rescue operations for migrants in distress. This information was shared by Chief Patrol Agent John R. Modlin on X (formerly known as Twitter).
In a comprehensive summary of the week's activities, Modlin stated: "Week in Review… - 9,200 Apprehensions - 124 lbs. of Marijuana - 73 Federal Criminal Cases - 6 Rescues - 6 Narcotics Events - 5 Human Smuggling Events - 1 Significant Arrest (Sex Offender) #HonorFirst".
According to a news release from U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), last October saw a significant drug seizure by a Nogales Station Border Patrol agent and his K9 partner patrolling the Tucson sector near Amado. The duo discovered four abandoned duffel bags near the Interstate 19 immigration checkpoint on Oct. 5, which were found to contain 130 pounds of narcotics. Testing revealed that the bags held 71 pounds of meth with an estimated street value of $63,796 and approximately 63.3 pounds of fentanyl valued at around $416,150.
Modlin commented on this substantial seizure saying: "This narcotics seizure is significant. It not only demonstrates the hard work of this dedicated canine team but also illustrates the need for our agents to be in the field, doing what they do best. In this case, that’s keeping dangerous drugs from reaching our nation’s communities."
Later that month, CBP agents stationed at the Interstate 19 immigration checkpoint apprehended a 33-year-old individual carrying 53 pounds of fentanyl hidden within the bed of a white Ford F150 pickup truck. The discovery was made when agents found a concealed compartment in the truck bed containing several packets of blue pills. Both the suspect and seized drugs were handed over to the Drug Enforcement Administration for further investigation and potential prosecution of a narcotic smuggling attempt.
A recent CBP report revealed that since the start of this fiscal year on Oct. 1, 2023, agents have encountered 617,865 individuals. In terms of drug seizures, a total of 3,888 pounds of marijuana, 166 pounds of cocaine, nine pounds of heroin, 1,806 pounds of methamphetamine and 456 pounds of fentanyl have been confiscated.
