U.S Border Patrol and New Mexico National Guard Team Up To Stop Drug Smugglers

LORDSBURG, N.M. – Border Patrol Agents working in conjunction with New Mexico National Guard seize more than $100,000 worth of marijuana as it was being smuggled though southern New Mexico near Playas.

On January 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, was able to locate 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.

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.

This is a reminder of the types of illegal drugs that are attempting to enter into our country putting our communities and neighborhoods at risk.  The men and women of the United States Border Patrol and National Guard remain committed to combating the illegal transportation of these drugs while remaining vigilant and steadfast in the performance of their duties.