24 burlap bundles of marijuanaTUCSON, AZ (CBS5) -
Tucson Sector Border Patrol agents seized more than 3,775 pounds of marijuana, worth more than $1.8 million, in three separate weekend incidents.
Monday night, Ajo Station agents saw a vehicle driving off-road in the desert and called in a Customs and Border Protection helicopter crew.
Agents found the vehicle abandoned with 73 bundles of marijuana inside. The marijuana weighed 1,892 pounds and was valued at $946,000. The vehicle were taken to the Ajo Station for processing.
Saturday night, agents from Casa Grande's satellite station detected a group of suspected narcotics smugglers in the west desert while using infrared detection technology.
Agents apprehended five suspected smugglers and seized 24 burlap bundles of marijuana weighing 1,289 pounds. The marijuana was valued at $644,500. The group faces prosecution on federal drug charges.
Earlier Saturday, Casa Grande agents using infrared detection technology observed a group of suspected smugglers in the west desert just north of the international border.
When agents got there, they discovered eleven backpacks buried in a wash. The backpacks contained a combined 594 pounds of marijuana worth an estimated $297,000. A search of the area revealed the group had fled into Mexico. The contraband was transported to the Casa Grande Station for processing.
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