TUCSON, AZ --
U.S. Border Patrol agents seized $25,000 worth of heroin at a checkpoint in southern Arizona Sunday.
The agents, assigned to the Nogales station, were working at the Interstate 19 checkpoint when they saw a shuttle-van passenger who apparently appeared extremely hesitant and nervous during a primary inspection at the checkpoint.
The vehicle was sent to a secondary inspection area where agents reportedly discovered that the male Mexican national was carrying more than two pounds of Black Tar Heroin.
The man was immediately arrested and held for further processing.
The heroin was turned over to the Drug Enforcement Administration.
Border Patrol checkpoints provide an additional defense in depth tool to secure the borders against illegal drugs such as heroin. Checkpoints contribute to protecting the nation from the impact of contraband illegally transported across the border, as well as the impact of undocumented immigrants, some who might have ties to criminal organizations.
