CBP: 1,377 lbs of marijuana 'launched' into Douglas over weekend
-
CBPBorder Patrol agents seized nearly $1.4 million in marijuana over the weekend, including 1,377 pounds found in Douglas that were “apparently launched” over the border fence, authorities said.
Border Patrol agents seized nearly $1.4 million in marijuana over the weekend, including 1,377 pounds found in Douglas that were “apparently launched” over the border fence, authorities said.
On Saturday, agents patrolling the boundary fence noticed several “large objects” just inside the Douglas city limits. The agents investigated and found more than 50 bundles of marijuana weighing 1,377 pounds, with an estimated value of $700,000.
On Sunday, Ajo Station agents at the Highway 85 checkpoint south of Gila Bend seized 67 bundles of marijuana worth around $700,000 after a drug dog led agents to discover the pot hidden in a camper trailer.
The driver and passenger, both U.S. citizens, were arrested and handed over the the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office for prosecution, said a press release from Customs and Border Protection.
Smugglers have attempted ingenious methods to fling marijuana bundles over the fence in the past:
In 2011, National Guard troops operating near Naco watched as a group of men in Mexico loaded up a homemade catapult and flung 45 pounds of marijuana over the border fence.
Two years later, smugglers used an improvised cannon powered by compressed air to launch marijuana bundles from Mexicali into fields in Yuma.
More by Paul Ingram
- UA faculty votes 'no confidence' in Robbins over Meixner slaying
- Robbins: UA had 'systemic failures' before shooting death of Prof. Meixner
- 'Rip crew' member sentenced to nearly 10 years for conspiracy & firearms offenses
- BP agents shoot, kill 1 southwest of Tucson
- Man linked to deadly gunfight on Tucson Amtrak train pleads guilty to drug, weapons crimes
- More stories »
