Vehicle Stop Results in 3 Arrests, Marijuana Seizure

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TUCSON, Ariz. – Tucson Sector Border Patrol agents arrested a U.S. citizen Sunday for smuggling two Mexican nationals and almost 90 pounds of marijuana in his Ford Taurus.

After an agent using observation technology at the Brian A. Terry Border Patrol Station detected a sedan stopping to load two individuals with suspected marijuana bundles, he contacted another agent in the field to investigate.

A few minutes later, the field agent stopped the suspicious vehicle on Naco Highway. The agent then determined that the driver, a male U.S. citizen from Sierra Vista, Arizona, was transporting two Mexican nationals illegally present in the U.S. The agent then searched the vehicle and discovered two bundles of marijuana in the trunk.

The driver, marijuana and vehicle were turned over to the Cochise County Sheriff’s Department while the Mexican nationals were turned over to Border Patrol and are being processed for removal.

Federal law allows the Border Patrol to charge individuals by complaint, a method that allows the filing of charges for criminal activity without inferring guilt. An individual is presumed innocent unless and until competent evidence is presented to a jury that establishes guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.

Customs and Border Protection 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.

~CBP~

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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