Border Patrol, NM National Guard stops drug smuggl
Post# of 65629
Feb 7, 2019
LORDSBURG, N.M. – Border Patrol Agents working in conjunction with New Mexico National Guard seized more than $100,000 worth of marijuana as it was being smuggled though southern New Mexico near Playas.
Suspects show the modified footwear they used to mask their track when they allegedly attempted to smuggle drugs into the country.
On Jan. 29, 2019, at approximately 9:30 p.m., a Lordsburg Border Patrol Agent operating infrared surveillance equipment observed four subjects walking northbound near the smelter on Highway 1113, approximately 8 miles south of Playas. Border Patrol all-terrain vehicle (ATV) units along with a National Guard helicopter responded to the area.
The helicopter, equipped with night vision equipment, located four subjects hiding in the brush.
The Border Patrol ATV unit was guided by the helicopter to the subjects in the brush, resulting in the arrest of all subjects. Guard members then alerted and guided the agents to several large rectangular-shaped burlap sacks in the area.
The contents of the bundles tested positive for marijuana and weighed a total of 135.8 pounds, with an estimated value of $108,640.
The subjects were wearing camouflage clothing and custom-made footwear designed to mask their tracks as they smuggled contraband north away from the border. During processing, it was determined that all four subjects are citizens of Mexico and were in the United States illegally. The four subjects will be detained pending criminal/immigration prosecution.
The National Guard has been assisting Border Patrol on the border. National Guard troops have been utilized to monitor cameras and sensor feeds, conduct surveillance, provide aerial support and have helped with road and vehicle maintenance.
https://www.willcoxrangenews.com/news/article...df7df.html