Imperial Valley News

Tucson, Arizona - United States Border Patrol agents from the Tucson, Ariz. sector continue to add to a record-setting year for marijuana seizures using technology provided as part of the Secure Border Initiative network (SBInet).

An operator of a SBInet tower yesterday observed several individuals carrying abnormally large bundles near Arivaca, Ariz. A CBP Air and Marine aircraft was called in to assist, and observed the subjects approaching a small shed. The aircraft contacted Border Patrol agents on the ground and relayed the last known location of the subjects. Agents responded to the area and discovered 48 bricks of marijuana, some loose unpacked marijuana and associated wrapping material. The marijuana has a weight of approximately 1,476 pounds and has an estimated value of $1,180,920.

According to Assistant Chief Patrol Agent Gary Robison, “This seizure demonstrates the increased awareness that SBInet provides to the Border Patrol’s mission. This allows the Border Patrol and CBP partners to better use assets and to have a greater response”.

SBInet is a comprehensive multi-year plan established to secure our Nation’s borders. With a combination of sensor and communications towers, agents can more effectively detect, identify, classify and respond to incursions along the border. SBInet creates a barrier of high-tech detection and deterrence technology that facilitates the Border Patrol’s situational awareness in the area in which it is deployed.