see also: in December 2008:   CBP Lists Top 10 Enforcement Events of 2008   CBP Seizes $200K in Undeclared Currency; Arrest 1 at Texas Port   Marfa Sector Agents Apprehend Murder Suspect   San Ysidro Port Modernization Deployment Temporarily Reduces Lanes   Border Patrol Agents Assist in Locating Distressed Individual   CBP Officers Stop Man at Michigan Border Crossing Wanted for Aggravated Sexual Assault   Holiday Surprise; CBP Unwraps 312 Pounds of Khat in December ...more on cbp.gov:   CBP News Releases   Press Officers

contacts for this news release

Tucson, Ariz. – Border Patrol agents from the Tucson, Ariz. sector and agents of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement came under fire last night after stopping drug smugglers with more than 1,100 pounds of marijuana near Douglas, Ariz.

Monday at 10:30 p.m., agents observed two large trucks, a Chevrolet Avalanche and a Ford F150 using ramps to cross over the border fence. While using a remote camera surveillance system, camera operators were able to coordinate field agents to intercept the trucks. As agents got close, the trucks turned south and attempted to flee back to the border. Agents were able to deploy a tire deflation device and successfully deflated the tires of both trucks stopping them just north of the international boundary fence.

A third vehicle was spotted south of the border fence where a subject was observed firing an automatic rifle in the direction of the agents. Several additional subjects with weapons were seen climbing over the fence and they began unloading marijuana from the Chevy Avalanche. The individuals were seen throwing numerous bundles marijuana back into Mexico. As agents formed a security perimeter around the Ford F150, the smugglers set fire to the Avalanche and absconded back into Mexico. Agents were able to secure the Ford F150 and inside the vehicle they discovered 1,158 pounds of marijuana with an estimated street value of $1 million.

Registration checks were run on the Ford F150 and agents discovered the vehicle was reported stolen out of Douglas, Ariz. Mexican law enforcement was contacted but at this time no arrests have been made.

Tucson agents seized more marijuana than any other sector during fiscal year 2008 accounting for 812,142 pounds of marijuana worth an estimated $649 million. Agents also have seized 46,766 pounds of marijuana for the month of October, the first month in fiscal year 2009.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection is the unified border agency within the Department of Homeland Security charged with the management, control and protection of our nation's borders at and between the official ports of entry. CBP is charged with keeping terrorists and terrorist weapons out of the country while enforcing hundreds of U.S. laws.