US Citizen Drug Mules Arrested at Immigration Checkpoint

U.S. Border Patrol agents arrested two U.S. citizens attempting to smuggle drugs inside their bodies at the Interstate 19 Immigration Checkpoint near Amado, Arizona, last night.

Tucson Sector agents began an immigration inspection of a commercial transportation shuttle around 7:20 p.m. During the inspection, they questioned a 32-year-old female passenger, which led to the discovery of 301 grams of heroin hidden inside her body.

Agents also questioned a 48-year-old male passenger, leading to the discovery of 148 grams of fentanyl hidden in a similar manner.

Both U.S. citizens were placed under arrest for drug smuggling. The drugs were seized.

Drug trafficking organizations continue to put the public at risk. A slight exposure to fentanyl, a highly potent synthetic opioid, could be fatal. A ruptured package of this drug on a shuttle or bus could prove catastrophic.