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Border Patrol seizes 2,000 pounds of marijuana in Tucson Sector

Published On: 06-02-2017 in Category: addiction, drug bust, drug trafficking

In early May, Border Patrol (BP) agents in the Tucson Sector of Arizona stopped a suspicious truck near Elgin in Santa Cruz County, which led them to discover over 2,000 pounds of marijuana worth over $1 million stashed in the vehicle.

While the BP agents were attempting to detain the pickup truck on Lower Elgin Road, the vehicle sped up abruptly veering off the road and rammed into a pile of concrete. The driver and another individual in the truck were identified as two illegal Mexican migrants residing in the United States. The impact of the sudden collision injured the two men, who were later shifted to a nearby medical center for treatment.

A thorough search of the truck led to seizure of 97 bundles of cannabis present in the vehicle. Both the men were arrested on charges of drug trafficking. Authorities haven’t disclosed their names or any other information.

Arizona is hotspot of drug trafficking activities

Geographically, the state of Arizona shares a 362-mile-long border with Mexico. Of which, 306 miles have some kind of fencing, whereas the remaining 56 miles form a porous border sealed with an occasional mesh of barbed wire, or no physical barrier at all. This predominantly underprotected stretch between Arizona’s ports of entry (POEs) connects state’s major cities with drug hubs in Mexico, making Tucson and Phoenix most preferred stash house zones and hubs for wholesale distribution and transportation of marijuana, heroin, cocaine and methamphetamine to the rest of the United States.

The infamous Sinaloa cartel exerts immense control along Arizona’s Southwest border with Mexico, making the U.S. state a significant starting point for all drug trafficking-related activities in North America. Experts attribute the sharp spike in drug trafficking along the Southwest border to the insatiable demand for drugs among American consumers. After all, the ever-growing surge in addiction is fueled by a corresponding demand for drugs. According to a spokesman for the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Arizona has become a narcotics shopping hub for criminal gangs across the country.

Marijuana addiction is a reality in America

In the wake of the growing popularity of the pro-cannabis campaigns, which insist on decriminalization of the drug, many fear that harmful and addictive nature of cannabis will get sidelined. What remains noteworthy is the fact that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has neither recognized nor approved the therapeutic value of marijuana. It continues to be classified as a Schedule I drug under the Controlled Substances Act owing to high potential for abuse. The steady spike in marijuana addiction rates across the country can be attributed to the growing ease of availability, perceived harmlessness and the social popularity of the drug across all sections of society.

Additionally, the psychoactive properties of its primary ingredient, tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), reduces the volume of gray matter that controls motivation, emotions and reward.  Being a long-acting drug, cannabis is known to stay in the system for a longer period of time exposing the individual to several health hazards. Research shows that use of marijuana over a period of time can cause short-term memory loss and chronic smoking can damage the respiratory tract.

Battling menace of addiction

If you or your loved one is battling addiction to marijuana, meth, heroin, cocaine or any other substance, seek treatment immediately. The Phoenix Drug Treatment and Rehab Center can help you get one of the best addiction treatment programs and embrace sobriety. You may call at our 24/7 helpline number 480-696-5152 for more information on different treatment options in your vicinity.