HOUSTON, Texas — Border Patrol agents in Arizon’a Tuscon Sector saw a lot of activity during the past few weeks. In just a few days two stolen vehicles, a loaded AK-47 rifle, more than 44 grams marijuana, and a handgun with a silencer attached were seized by agents.
On Monday in the desert agents were alerted by a helicopter crew of what appeared to be smuggling activity in a vehicle, according to U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP). By the time agents arrived on the scene, the individuals in the vehicle had left the area on foot, most likely to avoid apprehension.
In the abandoned vehicle Border Patrol agents found a loaded AK-47 rifle and ammunition.
Only a short while later another abandoned vehicle was discovered. Inside “supplies commonly used to resupply smugglers” were discovered, according to CBP.
Several weeks earlier, on September 25, Tuscon Border Patrol agents received a call from a citizen reporting illegal activity. According to CBP, the suspects fled the scene but left behead a loaded .45-caliber handgun, a large amount of ammunition, and 44 grams of marijuana. The seized drugs had a street value of over $100,000.
A 9 mm handgun with a silencer attached was found just two days prior on September 23, according to CBP. At the time, officers were searching a vehicle used by a smuggler.
Another loaded gun was seized by agents on September 22, when two U.S. citizens were busted for attempting to smuggle a Mexican national into the country. Border Patrol agents found the weapon in their vehicle.
Another significant marijuana bust was conducted on September 21, when agents found 15 bundles of the drug in the vehicle of a suspected smuggle. When agents first approached the individual, who is a Mexican national, he attempted to drive away, but his car got “stuck in a wash.”
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