see also: in February 2002:   U.S. Customs Airspace Security Effort at 2002 Winter Olympics A Success   U.S. Customs Inspectors Apprehend Fugitives Wanted by FBI on Murder Charges in Oklahoma   Seven Arrested in U.S. Customs Seizure of 4,320 Pounds of Marijuana in Philadelphia   Operation Green Quest Overview   U.S. Customs to Begin Collecting Duties on Imported Costumes on Saturday   U.S. Customs Service Inspectors Seize $100,000 at Sasabe Port of Entry   U.S. Customs Inspectors at World Trade Bridge Seize Nearly Four Tons of Marijuana in Nine Days ...more

contacts for this news release

Douglas, Arizona -- U.S. Customs Service special agents from the Douglas office of the resident agent in charge seized 1,915 pounds of marijuana in two incidents Wednesday. The drugs were found in homes in Pirtleville and Douglas. The estimated street value of the seized marijuana is $1,915,000.

The first seizure was made early Wednesday afternoon at a home at 815 Fir Avenue in Pirtleville. U.S. Customs Service special agents developed information that a large quantity of marijuana was being stored at the home. Agents gained consent to search the property and located 1,355 pounds of marijuana in a shed outside the home. They also seized a 9mm semi-automatic pistol that was in the home.

An individual at the home was arrested in connection with the seizure. He is 45-year-old Oscar Flores of Pirtleville, Ariz. He is scheduled to make his initial appearance in federal court in Tucson today in connection with the seizure.

About one hour after the Pirtleville seizure, U.S. Customs Service special agents developed information that a large amount of marijuana was being stored at a home at 750 8th Street in Douglas. Agents approached the property and gained consent from the occupants of the home to search the property. During the search, agents located 560 pounds of marijuana. Three occupants of the property were interviewed and released. The investigation is continuing.