Two Mexican nationals were arrested last week attempting to smuggle 2,000 pounds of marijuana worth over $1 million across the boarder near Elgin, Arizona, authorities reported.
Border Patrol agents in the Tucson Sector stopped a suspicious vehicle after a short pursuit on May 3, Fox 5 reported.
“The truck then abruptly veered off road and collided with a chunk of concrete. Agents later identified the truck’s occupants as two male Mexican nationals illegally present in the United States. Both men required medical treatment and were transported to a local hospital with non-life-threatening injuries,” an official report stated.
Agents discovered 97 bundles of pot in the cargo hold of the vehicle. The Mexican nationals, who were injured during the pursuit, were both arrested and charged with drug smuggling.
Wednesday’s seizure was the second large amount of marijuana seized by federal agents last week.
On Monday, Border Patrol agents were patrolling an area known as a drug-smuggling route south of Patagonia and saw some debris placed conspicuously off to the side of the pathway. Upon inspection they discovered 55 bundles of pot hidden and awaiting smugglers to retrieve it, according to The Weekly Bulletin.
The haul weighed in at 1,100 pounds and is valued at $550,000, authorities said.
Last week’s finds come on the heels of a 1,400 pound seizure on March 22, and the May 1 confiscation of tens of thousands of dollars-worth of marijuana stashed inside a hearse being driven by a 28-year-old American citizen near Tombstone, Arizona.
As always, U.S. Customs & Border Protection welcomes tips from anyone with info on drug smuggling. Citizens can report suspicious activity to the Border Patrol by calling 1-877-872-7435 toll free. All calls will be answered and remain anonymous.
Follow Warner Todd Huston on Twitter @warnerthuston or email the author at igcolonel@hotmail.com.
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