CBP Personnel In Southern Arizona Partner With Alliance to Combat Transnational Threats
Tucson, Ariz. - The Alliance to Combat Transnational Threats (ACTT), operating ongoing multi-agency enforcement activities in Arizona, conducted the third iteration of Vekol Valley Operations for Fiscal Year 2012 November 30 thru December 2.
The multi-agency operation, led by the Maricopa County Sheriff's Office - High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area's (HIDTA) Task Force, concentrated efforts in Vekol Valley. The other agencies participating in this operation were:
Arizona Department of Public Safety
United States Border Patrol - Tucson Sector
United States Border Patrol - Yuma Sector
CBP Office of Air & Marine
ICE Homeland Security Investigations
ICE Enforcement Removal Operations
United States Attorney's Office
Pinal County Sheriff's Office
Pinal County Attorney's Office
Gila River Police Department
Intelligence gathered and shared between the agencies led to:
23 subjects were taken into custody
Narcotics Seizures
2082 Lbs. of Marijuana
Vehicle Seizures
3 SUV's
This operation, which utilized Border Patrol detection equipment as well as air assets from CBP OAM, displayed unprecedented levels of cooperation, coordination and communication between agencies to deny, degrade, disrupt and dismantle smuggling organizations. The Border Patrol is committed to working with Federal, State, Local and Tribal law enforcement agencies to keep our communities safe.
"The Maricopa County Sheriff's Office, in cooperation with the additional participating agencies, is committed to enforcing and investigating border related crimes such as the transportation of contraband, illegal immigration, human smuggling and other border related crimes. The success of these operations is a result of the partnerships that have been created amongst these agencies. Sheriff Arpaio is continuing his commitment to eradicate drugs in Maricopa County," said Lt. Steve Bailey, Maricopa County Sheriff's Office.
CBP welcomes assistance from the community. Citizens can report suspicious activity to the Border Patrol by calling (877) 872-7435 toll free. All calls will be answered and remain anonymous.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is the unified border agency within the Department of Homeland Security charged with 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.