Added Eyes and Ears Help Border Patrol Seize 6,690 Pounds of Marijuana

Washington, D.C. - Since the beginning of Operation Jump Start, U. S. Customs and Border Protection Border Patrol has credited the National Guard with assisting in the seizure of 24 smuggling vehicles, the apprehension of 585 aliens, the seizure of more than 6,690 pounds of marijuana and 18.5 pounds of cocaine.

“This unprecedented deployment strengthens border security capabilities as CBP trains new Border Patrol Agents and implements the Secure Border Initiative,” said Commissioner W. Ralph Basham, U.S. Customs and Border Protection. “We are already beginning to see positive results as guardsmen fill administrative positions, build and fix infrastructure and increase our ability to detect incursions across the southwest border.”

Since June 15, 153 CBP Border Patrol agents have returned to direct border security duties as National Guard troops relieve agents of non-law enforcement responsibilities in support of Operation Jump Start.