Posted on 03/19/2011 9:13:10 AM PDT by SandRat
TUCSON — Nogales station Border Patrol agents prevented nearly 5,000 rounds of ammunition from being smuggled out of the United States and into the hands of transnational criminal organizations in Mexico on Sunday.
Agents from the Nogales Border Patrol station responded to reports of three suspicious individuals dressed in black carrying backpacks just north of the International Boundary Fence (IBF). Upon arrival, agents observed one subject fitting the description running south, leaving behind three backpacks. At the same time, operators using a Remote Video Surveillance System (RVSS) observed two other subjects absconding into Mexico over the IBF.
During an inspection of the three backpacks, agents discovered 4,951 rounds of 9 mm and 500 rounds of .40-caliber pistol ammunition. The ammunition was seized and transported to the Nogales Border Patrol station.
In March of 2009, U.S. Department of Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano announced outbound operations as part of the Southwest Border Initiative designed to crack down on Mexican drug cartels through enhanced security. As a result of the effectiveness of southbound inspections at the ports of entry, criminal organizations have to develop and use alternate methods to smuggle contraband south into Mexico.
The Border Patrol continues to rely on the community to assist. Should you see any suspicious activity please report it by calling the toll free number 1-877-872-7435. All calls will be answered and will remain anonymous.
Most people in the media seem to think that 100 rounds is excessive, and a revolver and a pre-WWII .22 single shot long rifle is an “arsenal.”
When they encounter a group with drugs (or ammo or guns), and the group drops the load, the Agents secure the load first, then if they can, they pursue the illegals.
There are other illegals in the area, some are hiding and walk back-up for the first group. So, if the Agents went after the illegals there is a good chance the load will be picked up by the second group. Not good. Besides, the Assistant US Attorney will not prosecute illegals, so, what are they do do, when there may be one, two or perhaps four agents? Catch the illegals, lose the load and the bad guys just get released in 24-hrs.
Best to seize the load and hurt the cartels and smugglers where it counts.
The cartels can always easily get mules to carry a load at no cost, whereas seizing their load cost them plenty.
The Border Patrol Agents are busy, doing a dangerous job (my son has been injured on the job, twice). They deserve respect and appreciation for doing a job that few can do, that requires them to engage illegals/smugglers out in the middle of nowhere where back-up is (at best) two-hours away.
Ever since I spent a year in El Paso, right before Juarez was turned into such a "killing field" by the ruthless cartels, I was given the name of BP Agent to pray for, and--while I way too often forget to do this on a daily basis--I do keep him in my prayers.
Will now add your son to my "prayer list!" On his behalf, please pass along a great big "THANK YOU" to him for the service he is giving to his state, and his country!
Then we need to at least quadruple the amount of BP so two can stay with the cache and two to go after the runners. I don’t see that happening with this administration. Heck, any administration. Look at W’s stance on the border. Too much $$$ to be made under the table for those in office.
Will do, and thank you.
It was for the US Ambassador. They didn't realize he had moved.
"Gunwalking" scandal final straw leading to resignation of U.S. ambassador to Mexico
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.