TUCSON, Ariz. —Two separate drug smuggling incidents involving vehicles proves worthy of a second look by Border Patrol Agents.

In Douglas on Tuesday, April  22, Agents observed a vehicle traveling northbound from the international boundary. The vehicle turned east towards town, where Agents were able to deploy tire a deflation device, successfully deflating all four tires.  The vehicle became disabled approximately one mile north of the International Boundary, east of Douglas.  Agents observed two individuals exit the vehicle and run into Mexico

Douglas Agents secured the vehicle which contained several bundles of marijuana.  Records checks revealed the vehicle, a Dodge Ram Quad Cab, had been reported stolen out of Phoenix, Arizona.

In a separate incident, a Border Patrol Agent assigned to the Casa Grande,  Arizona Border Patrol Station, was patrolling a remote area near Federal Route 20 northwest of Sells early this morning when he noticed a vehicle traveling in a dirt road commonly used by smugglers.  The vehicle was a dark colored Chevrolet Avalanche pick up bearing Baja California, Mexican plates. The Agent notified Tucson Sector communications, and advised that he would perform a vehicle stop.

The Border Patrol Agent activated his emergency equipment and attempted to stop the vehicle.  The driver of the vehicle failed to yield and turned north onto an unimproved road.  The driver of the vehicle then continued north for approximately 1 mile, where he pulled off into the desert, exited the vehicle, and ran into the desert.  The Agent waited until other agents arrived before approaching the vehicle.  Upon having other agents arrive, he inspected the vehicle, found no other occupants, and discovered ninety-nine bundles of marijuana.

Tucson Sector seizures combined a total weight of 1726 pounds estimated at $1,380,800.00 overnight. The vehicles and marijuana seized were turned over to Drug Enforcement Administration.  Tucson Sector has seized 451,476 lbs. of marijuana in the current fiscal year.