11 arrested with weapons and drug-smuggling equipment

A summary of Border Patrol activities in the Tucson Sector since Friday, provided by U.S. Customs and Border Protection.

Seizures

Ajo Station agents apprehended 11 people Sunday night for illegally entering the United States. Agents found two loaded AK-47 assault rifles, a battery charger, two 2-way radio batteries, one pair of binoculars and two solar panels. The individuals and weapons were transported to the station for processing and further investigation.

Also on Sunday, Ajo Station agents using detection equipment notified agents of possible drug smuggling activity in the West Desert. Agents found backpacks containing more than 570 pounds of marijuana worth more than $286,000. After searching the area, agents found one person who was arrested. The marijuana was to be turned over to the Drug Enforcement Administration and the person faces federal charges.

Arrests

Naco Station agents apprehended a 29-year-old Mexican man Sunday for illegally entering the United States. Record checks revealed he is affiliated with the Brown Pride and Norteño street gangs in Southern California and was previously removed from the United States. He was held for criminal prosecution

Willcox Station agents working at the S.R. 191 checkpoint Sunday questioned an American woman driving with seven passengers who admitted to being Mexican nationals in the United States illegally. Record checks revealed one of the passengers, a 36-year-old Mexican man, has a criminal history that includes aggravated assault on a law-enforcement officer earlier this year and a previous removal. He also admitted to being an active member of the Sureño street gang out of California. He was held for prosecution. The remaining passengers were to be processed for removal and the driver will be prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for alien smuggling.

Casa Grande Station agents apprehended a 59-year-old Mexican man Saturday for illegally entering the United States. Record checks revealed he had a felony warrant out of Riverside County, Calif., for possession of marijuana with intent to sell. He was to be turned over to the Riverside County Sheriff’s Office.

Also Saturday, Casa Grande agents apprehended a 33-year-old Honduran man for illegally entering the United States. Record checks revealed he had criminal convictions for criminal trespassing in Cochise County in 2000 and theft by means of transportation in 2006 in Phoenix for which he was sentenced to 30 months in prison. He also admitted to being a member of the MS-13 street gang. The subject was held for criminal prosecution.

On Friday, Casa Grande agents apprehended a 26-year-old Ecuadorian man for illegally entering the United States. Record checks revealed he was convicted of third-degree rape in Rockland County, N.Y., in April for which he served five and a half months. He also had a prior removal from the United States. He was held for prosecution of an aggravated felon.

Assist

Ajo Station agents assisted the Pima County Sheriff’s Department on Sunday in locating a stolen vehicle. PSCD provided global positioning system coordinates from the vehicle’s On-Star device, leading agents to the vehicle approximately five miles northeast of Ajo. Agents found two people in the vehicle and almost 500 pounds of marijuana. The marijuana, vehicle and subjects were turned over to PCSD.

Rescue

Ajo Station agents responded to the activation of a rescue beacon early Monday and discovered two men who admitted to entering the United States illegally. The men were transported to the station for processing and removal.

Recovery

Casa Grande agents discovered a human skull Sunday in the West Desert and contacted the Tohono O’ Odham Police Department who took over of the scene.