see also: in January 2007 News Releases:   Membership of Trade/Customs Advisory Committee Announced   CBP Border Patrol Launches Massive Search to Preserve Life   CBP Officers Make 22 Drug Busts at Calexico Ports During Busy Week   3,010 Pounds of Marijuana Seized at Nogales Port of Entry   CBP Border Patrol Makes a Record Drug Bust   Registration Underway for Third CBP Conference on ACE   CBP Officers Nab Mother/Daughter Cocaine Smugglers; Juveniles With Marijuana Loads Also Nabbed This Week ...more on cbp.gov:   CBP News Releases   Press Officers

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Washington, DC — U.S. Customs and Border Protection Border Patrol first quarter apprehensions are down 26 percent compared to last year along the southwest border, an indication that the Border Patrol is becoming better equipped to respond to and resolve border security threats between the ports of entry.

During the period that began October 1, Border Patrol agents made 152,811 apprehensions along the nation’s southern border compared to 207,197 apprehensions during the same period last year, with all southern border sectors experiencing declines in apprehensions. The Del Rio, Texas and Yuma, Ariz. sectors experienced the greatest declines, both with a decrease of 63 percent with 4,370 and 9,320 apprehensions respectively. The number of other-than-Mexican alien apprehensions dropped 58 percent along the southern border, which totaled 12,942 through the first quarter 2007. The decrease in other-than-Mexican apprehensions reduces the time agents spend transporting and processing and increases their time spent patrolling the border.

Under the Secure Border Initiative, CBP continues to enhance border security through a comprehensive approach of implementing innovative programs to include the expansion of expedited removal, Operation Streamline and Operation Jump Start as well as hiring additional Border Patrol agents, up to 6,000 by the end of 2008. The continued use of cutting-edge technology, tactical infrastructure and CBP’s increased ability to detain other-than-Mexican’s, further augments our border security mission.

“We are seeing positive results,” said Border Patrol Chief David V. Aguilar. “These programs continue to enable our frontline agents to be more effective in our border security mission.”

Additionally, Border Patrol agents have seized more than 468,879 pounds of marijuana (a 26 percent increase) and nearly 2,934 pounds of cocaine (a 96 percent increase) compared to the first quarter of fiscal year 2006. Agents in the Tucson, Ariz. sector accounted for 46 percent of the southern border marijuana seizures with 216,970 pounds and the Rio Grande Valley sector accounted for 50 percent of the cocaine seizures with 1,468 pounds. The combined estimated value of the narcotics is $473,991,200.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is the unified border agency within the Department of Homeland Security responsible for 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.