see also: in October 2007 News Releases:   Cocaine Smuggler Tries To Trick El Paso CBP Officers by Hiding Drugs in Car Body   Border Patrol Agents in Texas Seize Marijuana Worth $1 Million Hidden Under Watermelons   Fingerprint Check Allows Border Patrol to Arrest Murder Suspect   Border Patrol Texas Task Force Seizes 500 Pounds of Marijuana   CBP Officers at Mail Facility Find Marijuana in Cement Statues, Opium   Tecate, Calif. Cargo Processing Port to Resume Operations Wednesday Morning   CBP at Newark Airport Discovers Man with Fraudulent Documents, False Claim to U.S. Citizenship ...more on cbp.gov:   CBP News Releases   Press Officers

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Tucson, Ariz. – U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Border Patrol Agents assigned to the Tucson Sector rescued a woman in critical condition yesterday. The unconscious woman, a diabetic, was suffering from exposure and dehydration just north of the Sasabe, Arizona Port of Entry.

The rescue began when Border Patrol agents received a phone call advising them that a diabetic woman was lost in the desert, approximately 15 to 20 miles north and about five to seven miles west of the Sasabe, Ariz. Port of Entry. The woman had been traveling with a group of suspected illegal entrants, when the smuggler callously left her, her husband, and her nephew behind to fend for themselves. The call came from the woman’s husband who was able to walk out to State Route 286, flag down a rancher, and place a call to the Border Patrol asking for assistance. The Border Patrol immediately initiated a search and rescue operation involving CBP A&M helicopters and well as additional ground agents.

The woman was soon located, unconscious, with her nephew watching over her. A Border Patrol agent on scene, certified as an EMT, was able to stabilize the woman, however due to her severe condition, lifeline was contacted. The woman was flown to a local hospital in Tucson for treatment.

This rescue was a direct result of the combined and cooperative efforts of CBP A&M and the Border Patrol. As of September 30, 2007 the Border Patrol has 69 Agents certified as EMTs assigned throughout the Tucson sector, and has rescued 573 individuals from life threatening incidents for the past Fiscal Year.

To report illegal activity anytime and remain anonymous, please call 1-800-USBP-HELP.

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.