Tucson Border Patrol agents arrested three people, including a U.S. citizen, and seized more than $1 million worth of drugs over the weekend, a news release said.
Two Mexican nationals were arrested Friday at the checkpoint on Interstate 19 south of Tucson when agents say they each tried to smuggle 4.5 pounds of brown-tar heroin, the release said.
On Sunday, a 23-year-old United States citizen was arrested at the same checkpoint with 1.75 pounds of heroin hidden under his clothes. Combined, the nearly 11 pounds of heroin is worth about $130,000. The smugglers face federal prosecution by the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
Also on Sunday, a tip led Casa Grande agents to an abandoned 2004 Chevrolet Suburban stuffed with 1,800 pounds of marijuana worth about $915,000.
The vehicle had been reported stolen from Avondale. It was confiscated by the Pinal County Sheriff’s Department while the pot was turned over to the Drug Enforcement Administration.
