Communications Division Border Patrol agents assigned to the Tucson Sector, a component of the Joint Field Command-Arizona, apprehended a Mexican national yesterday in connection with the seizure of 187 pounds of marijuana. The man, who was wearing booties on his shoes to conceal his footprints, illegally entered the United States and was transporting the marijuana in a handmade backpack. 

Smugglers such as this one that was caught often wear ‘carpet’ shoes in an attempt to conceal their footprints and avoid detection.

Agents patrolling Highway 286 observed an individual cross the highway carrying a marijuana-filled backpack and immediately interdicted the man. After searching the area, agents recovered three more backpacks filled with contraband but the other drug smugglers had fled the area.

Increased deployments of manpower, infrastructure and technology, combined with a robust consequence delivery system, continue to pressure transnational criminal organizations. Smugglers commonly abandon their drug loads rather than risk apprehension and prosecution. Agents remain dedicated to detecting smuggling attempts and preventing illegal drugs from entering our communities.