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Customs and Border Protection: Catapult used to send drugs into U.S. found and dismantled

Posted at 3:56 PM, Feb 14, 2017
and last updated 2017-02-14 20:29:06-05

Authorities say a catapult used to launch drugs from Mexico into the United States has been found and dismantled.

Agents were patrolling east of the Douglas Port of Entry on February 10 when they noticed several people retreating from the south side of the fence as they approached.

Agents inspected the area and found a catapult system had been attached to the fence, according to a news release from U.S. Customs and Border Protection.

Mexican law enforcement officers were contacted to investigate. The catapult was dismantled and left in the possession of officials in Mexico.

Border Patrol agents found two bundles of marijuana that had been catapulted into the United States. Combined, authorities said they weighed more than 47 pounds.

Federal authorities say in recent years, smugglers have thrown drug bundles over the border or shot them over with devices such as air-powered cannons and catapults.

Smugglers also have placed vehicle ramps next to the border fence or wall and using ultralight aircraft to drop shipments in the desert.

Information from the Associated Press was used in this story.