Border Patrol and National Guard Work Together to Combat Drug Smuggling

Border Patrol agents used advanced technology and National Guard assistance to arrest four individuals for smuggling large amounts of marijuana across southern New Mexico this week. On Tuesday evening, Lordsburg Border Patrol agents used infrared surveillance equipment to locate and apprehend the subjects.

Initially, a National Guard helicopter used night vision technology to locate the four subjects hiding in the brush. Once alerted, Border Patrol units used all-terrain vehicles to follow the four subjects with guidance from the National Guard.

According to information released by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), the subjects possessed a weighted total of 135.8 pounds of marijuana valued at $108,640 when apprehended.

The subjects seemed prepared for the journey- wearing camouflage clothing and custom made footwear to hide tracks as they traveled away from the border.

Border Patrol officers confirmed during processing that all four subjects were Mexican citizens in the United States illegally. 

In its media release, CBP notes the importance of cooperative law enforcement when dealing with drug smuggling cases.

CBP explains, “This seizure emphasizes the important role the National Guard has with assisting the Border Patrol on our 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.”

The four individuals apprehended are pending criminal and immigration processing.