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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Yuma, Ariz. — A U.S. Customs and Border Protection Air and Marine Yuma Branch pilot and observer team assisting Yuma Sector Border Patrol agents on the ground near San Luis, Ariz., netted 1,200 pounds of marijuana Monday.

While patrolling the desert near Avenue 10E at 7:45 p.m., the pilot and observer spotted a disabled pickup truck. Upon closer inspection, the air agents noticed lights shining from the vehicle’s cab and landed their helicopter to investigate.

As the agents approached the truck, they noticed a bed cover and a blanket covering objects in the cab. Under the blanket, the agents found 65 bundles of marijuana weighing 1,200 pounds and valued at nearly $985,000.

The agents also noted footprints leading away from the vehicle. The CBP Air observer followed the tracks about 75 yards and apprehended two individuals.

Yuma Sector Border Patrol ground agents and Drug Enforcement Administration officials were notified and responded. The vehicle, its contents and the two individuals were turned over to the Drug Enforcement Administration.

From October 1 through December 31, 2006, Yuma Sector agents have seized 3,564 pounds of marijuana worth over $2.8 million.

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.