MAY 20, 2015

Weekly Arizona Border Report


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Border Patrol seizes more than 1,700 pounds of marijuana smuggled across the Colorado River in a pickup truck
A pickup truck breached a section of the border fence along the Colorado River on Thursday afternoon and was quickly detected by Border Patrol agents who attempted to pull the truck over. 

When Border Patrol agents activated their emergency lights, the driver sped up in an apparent attempt to flee back to Mexico.  The driver and two occupants then jumped from the moving truck and escaped across the border.  Agents searched the vehicle and found several bundles of marijuana wrapped in cellophane.  The bundles have a combined weight of 1,711 pounds and an estimated value of $855,755.   

Agents processed the vehicle and drugs in accordance with Yuma Sector guidelines.
Yuma Sector Border Patrol agents effectively combat smuggling organizations attempting to illegally transport people and contraband through southwestern Arizona and California. Citizens can help the Border Patrol and U.S. Customs and Border Protection by calling 1-866-999-8727 toll-free to report suspicious activity. Callers can remain anonymous.

Border Patrol seizes more than 400 pounds of marijuana
marijuanaWellton Border Patrol agents arrested two marijuana smugglers Monday night travelling on an ATV south of Interstate 8, between Wellton and Gila Bend.

Agents assisted by Office of Air and Marine, Yuma Air Branch, pilots apprehended the duo who had entered the U.S. illegally with 430 pounds of marijuana worth an estimated $215,000. 
Both subjects, the ATV and drugs will be processed per Yuma Sector guidelines.

Yuma Sector Border Patrol agents effectively combat smuggling organizations attempting to illegally transport people and contraband through southwestern Arizona and California. Citizens can help the Border Patrol and U.S. Customs and Border Protection by calling 1-866-999-8727 toll-free to report suspicious activity. Callers can remain anonymous.

San Luis PD presents Life Saving Award to BP agents
San Luis Police Department officials presented awards to three Border Patrol agents Wednesday for their actions on April 5 following an ATV roll-over accident that sent two riders to a local hospital.

The agents were first to respond to the accident and are credited for providing life-saving treatment to one of the riders who was later flown to Phoenix Children’s Hospital with a severe head injury. 

Because of the agents’ training and quick response, both individuals made a full recovery. This helps to illustrate the Border Patrol’s continuing efforts to build and maintain a strong partnership with other area law enforcement agencies.

Yuma Sector Border Patrol agents effectively combat smuggling organizations attempting to illegally transport people and contraband through southwestern Arizona and California. Citizens can help the Border Patrol and U.S. Customs and Border Protection by calling 1-866-999-8727 toll-free to report suspicious activity. Callers can remain anonymous.

Federal, state agencies join forces to rescue migrant injured in Baboquivari Mountains near Sasabe
Video link: https://www.dvidshub.net/video/403267/office-air-marine-borstar-rescue-az#.VVdfb_DCdQK

A male Mexican national who illegally entered the U.S. recently provided multiple government agencies with an opportunity to work together on a single mission…saving the man’s life.

The Tucson Sector Border Patrol, the Office of Air and Marine’s Tucson Air Branch, the Border Patrol Search Trauma and Rescue (BORSTAR) team, and an Arizona National Guard Task Force Raven aircrew combined their skills to rescue the man who had fallen in the Baboquivari mountains on May 7.

After entering the U.S. illegally, the unidentified man called 911 after sustaining multiple injuries in a fall. At approximately 8 p.m., Border Patrol agents started searching an area near Sasabe, Arizona. A short time later, the ANG Task Force Raven aircrew located the man and called for more support.

Agents on the ground made contact with the victim and noticed he had several lacerations on his head and injuries to his back and legs. Agents then called in the BORSTAR team to request additional assistance. BORSTAR advised the agents, however, that a nighttime evacuation would be too dangerous and they would have to wait until morning.

At approximately 4 a.m., BORSTAR agents arrived on scene, assessed the man’s injuries, and requested air support.

Office of Air and Marine agents extracted the man via the UH-60 (Blackhawk) helicopter equipped with a rescue hoist and delivered him to awaiting Emergency Medical Services personnel for further evaluation and transport to a local hospital.

Following a medical evaluation, agents processed the subject for removal in accordance with Tucson Sector guidelines.

Office of Border Patrol and Office of Air and Marine agents frequently shift from law enforcement to rescue mode. Local, state, federal and tribal agencies working together greatly improves the chances of survival for individuals finding themselves in dire situations.
CBP welcomes assistance from the community. 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. 

U.S. Customs and Border Protection is the unified border agency within the Department of Homeland Security charged with management, control and protection of our nation's borders at and between official ports of entry. CBP’s mission includes keeping terrorists and terrorist weapons out of the country while enforcing hundreds of U.S. laws. Follow us on Twitter @CBPArizona

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