Organ Pipe Cactus |  |
The following Incident Reports were extracted from the NPS Morning Reports/Coalition Reports from 1989-2025. They are not a complete record of all incidents which occurred in this park during this timeframe. INCIDENTS | |
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July 15, 1987 Location: Park Studies Unit, Why, AZ in a structure used as park housing On 7/5, at 9:30pm N.W. was drinking at the XY Bar. According to witnesses, he appeared to have "passed out". Individuals who were also at the bar knew he was a visiting friend of seasonal Park Service employee E.M. (who was out of town for the weekend). These individuals carried N.W. to E.M.'s residence, gained access, placed N.W. on the bed inside, and left. On 7/7, at 11:30pm E.M. returned home and discovered N.W.. He was pronounced dead at the scene by coroner. Coroner's office and Pima County Sheriff's Office are still investigating. No foul play suspected, autopsy result showed cause of death due to diabetes and excessive alcohol. He had been dead for an extended period of time.
Location: Montezuma Head Peak An Air Force A-10 crashed into an outcropping north of Montezuma Head Peak on Friday morning. A helicopter evacuated the pilot, who suffered a broken arm. Since the outcropping is a few hundred feet above the valley floor, the plane is believed to have been flying too low. The A-10 may have live ammunition on board. The superintendent has advised the Air Force that the plane is down in a wilderness area and that the use of motorized equipment is prohibited there. The commander of Davis-Monthan AFB (Tucson, Arizona) was reportedly en-route to the park to meet with the superintendent. Follow-up The Air Force regularly uses a 10-mile-wide corridor on the north end of the park as an approach to Lupe Firing Range. In order to be able to go in under radar coverage, the Air Force allows planes to fly as low as 500' above the terrain. The A-10, which was apparently one of two making an approach, hit a ridge which is only 400' above the valley floor. The pilot ejected and suffered a broken arm when hitting the ground; the plane impacted about a half mile further on, then slid about 3000'. It didn't leave much of a crater, but did destroy about 60 trees and other natural features. Although the crash site is in a wilderness area, the Air Force continued to send in vehicles even after the life-threatening emergency was over. The superintendent has since met with General Larry Keith, the commander of Davis- Monthan AFB (where the plane originated), and he has agreed to work with the park to assure that this doesn't happen again. A cooperative agreement will be worked out with the Air Force, and the park will seek restitution for damages to the wilderness area.
Location: Visitor Center While at home, Chief Ranger Ed Lopez heard the sound of noise in the park's visitor center on his radio. As he entered the building, he encountered a man who was exiting; a chase ensued, but the burglar was able to get away. Lopez advised the Pima County Sheriff's Office, and they were able to stop a suspicious vehicle within the hour. M.M., the driver, consented to a search of his vehicle, and sheriff's deputies found several hand tools with paint on them. The paint was later determined to match the paint found on the building and on the park's safe, which had been damaged but not entered. M.M. was arrested and met bond. Pima County is pursuing the case.
Location: Puerto Blanco During a traffic stop on a late model van for fee violations, a ranger's suspicions were aroused regarding the vehicle's contents. The van was put under surveillance, and Border Patrol and Customs officers stopped it just as it was leaving the park for Tucson. Investigation revealed that the van contained 667 pounds of marijuana, which had been loaded on board while the vehicle was in the park. The marijuana had been carried over the border from Mexico into the park.
Location: South Puerto Blanco Drive On July 31st, during daylight hours, two seasonal park rangers on patrol in a marked government vehicle were victims of an aggressive attack by three Mexican Army soldiers. The three soldiers, engaged in anti-drug interdiction duties had set up a road block in Mexico. Upon sighting the NPS vehicle, which was about 400 yard north of the international boundary, the three soldiers crossed the boundary fence carrying automatic weapons and approached the vehicle at a run. About 50 feet inside the U.S. the soldiers stopped and lowered their weapons as they realized the rangers were uniformed NPS personnel. The rangers had immediately called for "backup" and within minutes officers from the U.S. Custom Service, Border Patrol and local Sheriff's Office arrived, along with officers in a Blackhawk helicopter. It was later learned that one of the Mexican soldiers had fired a warning shot into the air. The soldiers also stated that they had been unaware of the international boundary when they crossed it.
An NPS-owned 1983 GMC 2-ton truck with a trash compacter was stolen from the park's maintenance yard on the evening of January 12th. The vehicle was last seen by a ranger patrol at 7:30 p.m., and was discovered missing at 9:30 p.m. The vehicle was tracked to a point where it crossed the border into Mexico. The FBI and local and Mexican authorities have been notified. The value of the truck was placed at $13,000. This is the third truck stolen from the park in recent months. (Herb Gercke, WRO).
On the afternoon of February 8th, a vehicle with nine illegal aliens on board entered the park from Mexico. The vehicle was spotted and pursued down Puerto Blanco Drive by Border Patrol officers until it ran off the road and broke down. The occupants jumped from the vehicle and attempted to escape. All were captured, while arresting the man who was attempting to smuggle the aliens into the country, a shot was fired by a Border Patrol officer which wounded the man in his arm. He was airlifted to Ajo for treatment, and the drive was closed off overnight while an investigation into the incident was conducted. It is not yet known why the shot was fired. (Ed Lopez, CR, ORPI, via WRO).
Late on the afternoon of April 2nd, unknown persons broke into an unoccupied park residence by kicking in the front door. The burglars were heard by a neighbor and were frightened off when a patrol ranger responded to a call for assistance. The suspects, who were heard to be speaking Spanish, apparently fled over the border. Property stolen included a VCR, camera, television, and a substantial amount of Mexican pesos. The television set was later recovered in the desert. (Ed Lopez, CR, GRPI, via Herb Gercke, RAD/SERO).
Investigators have determined that the park residence was burglarized by three Mexican juveniles who have been involved in burglaries, thefts and drug activities in areas around the border. Two of the three are in custody in a Mexican jail; the third, thought to be the ringleader, is still at large. The VCR has been recovered. It is doubtful that the three will be tried for this crime due to their age and the difficulties involved in extradition. (Ed Lopez, CR, ORPI, via Herb Gercke, RAD/WRO).
On September 19th, Mexican federal police conducted a raid on suspected drug traffickers on a ranch with an airstrip 600 yards from the park's boundary, necessitating the closure of a. park road for safety reasons during the afternoon. Two federal police and three Mexican nationals were killed during the raid. Four suspects escaped and have not yet been apprehended. No U.S. personnel were involved, in the incident. (Eddie Lopez, CR, ORPI, via CompuServe message from Herb Gercke, FAD/WRO).
The drug raid on the ranch in Mexico adjacent to the park which caused closure of a park road for safety reasons on the 19th resulted when drug dealers guarding 300 kilos of cocaine exchanged fire with Mexican federal police. Revised reports confirm the death of three police officers and a Mexican national; two other officers may also have been killed. The suspects defended themselves with AK-47 automatic rifles. Four suspects escaped and are still being sought. (Eddie Lopez, CR, ORPI, via CompuServe message from Herb Gercke, RAD/WRO).
On January 29th, 19-year-old S.D. of Washington, D.C., hiked into the park's backcountry on a solo overnight camping trip. When she failed to meet her friends at the appointed time the following day, a search was initiated. A helicopter and a search team of 21 people were deployed in the park. S.D. was found in good condition in the Dripping Springs area yesterday morning. (Superintendent, ORPI, via CompuServe message from Herb Gercke, RAD/WRO, 5 p.m. EST, 1/31/90).
While on a routine patrol in the park on the 17th, Border Patrol officers discovered human remains near Eagle Pass. They also found clothing remnants and a variety of other items, including a toothpaste tube with Spanish wording on it. Initial investigation indicates that the remains are those of a Mexican national who perished while trying to cross into the United States. Park rangers and Pima County officers are investigating. (Dwayne Collier, SOAR, via CompuServe message from Herb Gercke, RAD/WRD, 2:30 EST, 3/19/90).
An investigation into theft of entrance fees has resulted in the successful prosecution of former seasonal park ranger J.H.A. for embezzlement and theft of government money (18 USC 641). The investigation was headed by park rangers Robert Stinson of Organ Pipe and Fred Elchlepp of Yosemite. The embezzlement was discovered by Stinson, who became suspicious of activity at the collection point. J.H.A. was also charged with carrying a concealed weapon, possession of a sawed-off shotgun and illegal possession of cacti without permits. The United States Attorney in Tucson agreed to prosecute the case, despite that office's heavy case load, after hearing persuasive arguments from the investigators. This case is yet another example of a successful prosecution of a former employee for recreation fee embezzlement. A copy of the case incident report will be made available to each regional recreation fee coordinator for information purposes and for use in conjunction with Project SAFEcheck activities. (Reports from Wes Kreis, RAD/WASO, and from Bob Stinson, ORPI, via Herbs Gercke, RAD/WRO, 6/13).
Just before 5 p.m. on the 16th, the park received a report from two visitors that from 12 to 16 armed men in civilian clothes had crossed the border from Mexico into the park. The couple said that they were taking photographs when they saw the men "sneaking up" from the Mexican side of the border. The members of the party were armed with what appeared to be M-16-style rifles. The couple decided to leave the area after being noticed by the group. As they were leaving, one member of the group yelled at them repeatedly to stop. The visitors drove off in their vehicle on the U.S. side of the border, while the Mexican nationals, alleged to have been Federales, returned to five unmarked vehicles on their side of the border and chased the couple on a road which parallels the park road. At no time were weapons pointed at the couple. The visitors made their way to Highway 85, turned away from the border, and drove to park headquarters to report the incident. The park has made several attempts to contact Mexican officials to discuss this incident but has not yet been successful. (Dispatch, ORPI, via CompuServe message from Herb Gercke, RAD/WRO, 9/26).
Over the past two weeks, park rangers have been working with Customs agents in the investigation of drug snuggling along the border. These investigations have resulted in the seizure of several vehicles attempting to transport drugs through the park for distribution elsewhere in the United States. Over 365 pounds of marijuana and 32 pounds of cocaine have been seized from hidden compartments in vehicles within the past two weeks. The estimated value of the seized drugs is approximately $472,500. Rangers have been involved in the investigation and intelligence process and participation on the interagency drug sensor monitoring teams with Customs, Border Patrol and the Pima County sheriff's office. Rangers are also involved in intelligence gathering with Mexican federal officials and Customs on several other cases. (Cheto Olais, CR, ORPI, via CompuServe message from Herb Gercke, RAD/WRO, 11/8).
Rangers received a report that a hiker had been seriously injured in Alamo Canyon on the 26th and began rescue efforts. The victim, 33-year-old T.T. of Flagstaff, Arizona, was found to have suffered a broken leg. T.T. was at the bottom of a canyon with 250-foot-high walls, which precluded quick rescue by either manual litter or helicopter. He was kept warm and comfortable overnight, then was extricated yesterday morning. (Cheto Olais, GR, ORPI, via CompuServe message from Herb Gercke, RAD/WRO, 12/27).
F.R., 19, of Tucson, was killed in a one-car motor vehicle accident south of the visitor center on the evening of March 13th. F.R. was driving at speeds in excess of 90 mph when his vehicle left the road and rolled over. Although F.R. was killed, his passengers incurred only minor injuries. Investigators indicated that they smelled the odor of alcohol at the scene, but were unable to conclude whether or not it had any bearing on the accident. F.R. was wearing a seat-belt at the time of the accident. [Harold Smith, Superintendent, ORPI, via CompuServe message from Herb Gercke, RAD/WRO, 3/14]
Just before midnight on March 13th, two men robbed D.A., 47, of Palm Desert, California, of $120 in the headquarters campground. The men approached D.A. and asked for water, which he gave them. They later returned with a small handgun, confronted D.A., and robbed him of the contents of his wallet. D.A., a former park ranger, was able to provide excellent descriptions of the two men. A task force comprised of four rangers, two deputy sheriffs and two Customs officers has been assigned to the investigation. A Blackhawk helicopter and crew have also been assigned to provide necessary assistance. [Harold Smith, Superintendent, ORPI, via CompuServe message from Herb Gercke, RAD/WRO, 3/14]
Just before midnight on the 15th, three men armed with a handgun and knives robbed a group of family and friends camped in the main park campground of over $200 in cash and assorted jewelry. One of the suspects fondled a female in the group and attempted to lure her into a tent but failed when her mother grabbed her and held her down for protection. The suspects then fled. The victims immediately reported the incident to park rangers residing near the campground. Rangers responded with air support assistance provided by U.S. Customs Blackhawk helicopters and began unsuccessful efforts to track the three men. Rangers are now conducting an investigation and working with Mexican authorities to gather intelligence. This is the second incident of an armed robbery in the park in the last 30 days. [CRO, ORPI, via CompuServe message from Herb Gercke, RAD/WRO, 4/17]
Park rangers and Customs agents made several arrests for drug smuggling through the park during a two week period last November. Over 365 pounds of marijuana and 32 pounds of cocaine with an approximate value of $475,000 were seized from hidden compartments of vehicles during that time. On April 26th, J.E.M., one of the men arrested at that time, was found guilty on four charges in a jury trail in U.S. District Court two counts of importation of cocaine and marijuana and two counts of intent to distribute and sell the drugs in the United States. Ranger Victor Carrasco assisted Customs agents with interrogation and investigation and testified during the twoday trial. [CompuServe message from Herb Gercke, RAD/WRO, 5/6]
Last November, rangers and Customs officers arrested J.E.M. for attempting to smuggle drugs into the United States in a hidden compartment in his vehicle's gas tank. On April 26th, a jury in U.S. District Court in Tucson found J.E.M. guilty of two counts of importation of 32 pounds of cocaine and 12 pounds of marijuana and two counts of intent to distribute and sell them in the United States. Ranger Victor Carrasco assisted Customs with interrogation and investigation and was a key prosecution witness during the two-day trial. [Cheto Olais, CR, ORPI, via CompuServe message from Herb Gercke, RAD/WRO, 6/3]
On February 23rd, Customs officers asked rangers to make a traffic stop on two individuals who had just left the border crossing at Lukeville under suspicious circumstances. The rangers stopped the pair and brought them back to Lukeville for further questioning. Both were subsequently released. On March 3rd, investigators from the police department in Gilbert, Arizona, notified rangers that the two were suspects in the murder of an American woman in Puerto Penasco, Mexico, 65 miles south of the park. Officers were unaware of the crime at the time of the border crossing incident. Detectives were able to develop evidence and information from the traffic stop made by the rangers, however, and are employing it in an investigation of the two suspects and the victim's husband for possible charges of fraud, theft, hindering a prosecution, conspiracy to commit murder, and conspiracy to commit insurance fraud. The investigation is being conducted by attorney generals' offices for the states of Arizona and Sonora (Mexico). [Cheto Olais, CR, ORPI, via CompuServe message from Herb Gercke, RAD/WRO, 6/3]
Early on the morning of the 28th, police in Mammoth, Arizona, issued an all-points bulletin for F.M., 40, who was suspected of killing his wife in a domestic dispute in that town. A few hours later, a Pima County deputy spotted the vehicle described in the bulletin heading into the park and called for assistance. Rangers and Border Patrol, Customs and local officers set up a roadblock seven miles north of the visitor center. The car was stopped and Moreno was ordered to get out. When he failed to do so,officers approached the vehicle and determined that he had shot and killed himself with a .22 caliber handgun. It appears that F.M. was attempting to flee the country into Mexico. The car also contained a loaded shotgun. [Dwayne Collier, SOAR, via CompuServe message from Herb Gercke, RAD/WRO, 7/1]
Rangers at the visitor center received a report of an apparent heat casualty on one of the park's scenic drives on the afternoon of August 15th. Upon arrival, they found the victim, later determined to be an illegal alien, dead from dehydration and heat stress. Tracking efforts by rangers and county deputies led to the successful recovery of a second alien who was suffering from severe dehydration and heat stress. Border Patrol agents joined the investigation, and it was learned that a third member of the group had walked to the highway the night before and had been picked up by the Border Patrol. Rangers and Border Patrol agents conducted a joint air search the following day and confirmed that there were no other victims in the area. [Cheto Olais, CR, ORPI, via CompuServe message from Herb Gercke, RAD/WRO, 8/16]
Over Labor Day weekend, rangers assisted U.S. Customs officers as part of a task force assigned to check north and south bound traffic crossing the border through the park. The inspection of over 375 vehicles led to the seizure of over 60 hits of LSD, two ounces of marijuana and cocaine and the recovery of four stolen vehicles. Over 30 citations were issued for liquor violations, and another 45 were doled out for other traffic offenses. Rangers also assisted in the medical evacuation of three patients via helicopter. [Cheto Olais, CR, ORPI, via CompuServe message from Herb Gercke, RAD/WRO, 9/10]
On September 22nd, U.S. Customs agents requested assistance from the park for an undercover detail on the Tohono O'Oodham reservation as part of an operation being conducted by Operation Alliance, a multi-agency task force. Ranger Bob Stinson joined Customs agents and Pima County detectives at a point where a marijuana delivery was to be made. After a five-hour stakeout, team members observed five males approaching the area carrying large quantities of marijuana from the Mexican border. The men were arrested and an undercover agent delivered the load to a house in Tucson. Raids were subsequently carried out on this house and a second dwelling elsewhere in the city. Over 250 pounds of marijuana were found by a county K9 unit behind a false wall in a hallway closet in one of the buildings. The investigation of the smuggling ring continues. [Cheto Olias, CR, ORPI, via CompuServe message from Herb Gercke, RAD/WRO, 9/26]
On November 3rd, ranger Mark Daniel discovered a stash of several sacks of marijuana in a dry wash near Camino Dos Republicas scenic drive while conducting a drug interdiction patrol. Two individuals were seen fleeing towards Mexico, which was less than a mile away at that point. A park strike team was immediately dispatched to the area and the Mexican federal police were notified. The federales were able to apprehend one individual, who revealed information on the smuggling route and pickup suspects. Rangers seized 18 compressed bales (70 pounds) of marijuana with an estimated street value of $64,000. A joint investigation with Mexican authorities and U.S. Customs is underway. [Victor Carrasco, ORPI, via SEAdog message from Mike O'Neil, LES, RAD/WRO, 11/5]
On November 11th, a Border Patrol agent on Ajo Mountain Drive asked park rangers to assist him in capturing five suspects who had just fled from a vehicle loaded with marijuana. A strike team comprised of chief ranger Aniceto Olais and rangers Victor Carrasco, Robert Stinson, Susan Hughes and Richard Finerty responded and began tracking the suspects toward the Mexico border, which was five miles away. Aircraft were also involved in the search effort. Three of the suspects were apprehended near the border, but the remaining pair managed to escape into Mexico despite the combined efforts of U.S. and Mexican authorities. The 203-pound load, valued at $203,000, was seized. This is the fifth major marijuana seizure which rangers have been involved in over the last month. Over 1,000 pounds of marijuana were confiscated in those seizures. [Aniceto Olais, CR, ORPI, via CompuServe message from Herb Gercke, RAD/WRO, 11/20]
On the evening of November 24th, rangers received a report of suspicious persons crossing the Mexican border into the United States through the park and began tracking and surveillance operations in conjunction with the Border Patrol in an effort to interecept them. Around 11:00 a.m. the following morning, a team of rangers was patrolling a dry wash in front of the park's visitor center - a known pick-up point - when they came upon ten bales of marijuana stashed near the highway. The marijuana, which weighed 200 pounds and is valued at $200,000, was packaged in burlap bags and ready for shipment. This is the sixth major seizure rangers have participated in during the past month. [Cheto Olais, CR, via CompuServe message from Herb Gercke, RAD/WRO, 11/25]
While working on a special detail with Customs officers on December 14th as part of Operation Alliance, ranger Mark Daniel assisted on three separate drug seizures on the east side of the Tohono O'Odham reservation and adjacent to park boundaries. Three vehicles were intercepted and seized with loads of marijuana totalling 618 pounds, all of it destined for Tucson. Seven people were arrested. Also involved in the operation were Tohono O'Odham police officers and Pima County sheriff's office deputies. This is the fifth major drug interdiction operation in which Customs agents have requested assistance from Organ Pipe rangers, who are cross-designated as Customs officers. [Robert Stinson, ORPI, via SEAdog message from Steve Martin, RAD/WRO, 12/17]
On December 24th, two Customs agents requested assistance on a vehicle stop on the Tohono O'Odham reservation. Ranger Richard Finerty responded and joined the agents in the arrest of a suspect for drug trafficking and the confiscation of 434 pounds of marijuana contained in the vehicle. The vehicle had triggered a remote sensor when crossing the border from Mexico. [Cheto Olais, CR, ORPI, via SEAdog message from Steve Martin, RAD/WRO, 1/7]
Two people burglarized the park's visitor center on the evening of January 16th. Several items of clothing, including an NPS field jacket, were stolen. The pair entered by breaking several windows; although a silent alarm was activated, the contracting alarm company failed to notify the park. Rangers began tracking the two people the following morning, but were not able to find them. Park maintenance personnel subsequently reported a suspicious vehicle near the border. Rangers determined that the vehicle had been stolen earlier in Why, Arizona, that a cassette player and two speakers had been taken from it, and that two people had been involved in the theft. Evidence indicates that the burglary and car theft were committed by the same persons. The investigation continues. [Dwayne Collier, SOAR, via CompuServe message from Herb Gercke, RAD/WRO, 1/21]
On February 19th, park visitors saw a group of 19 persons heading north near the international border in the park's backcountry and reported their observation at park headquarters. Ranger Victor Carrasco and Border Patrol agent Jim Gould tracked the group for more than 12 miles and eventually arrested four of them. The other 15 managed to elude them by escaping in a pickup truck in Ajo, Arizona. Investigation revealed that the group had traveled a total of 35 miles through the night and into the following day without stopping. Over the past two weeks, rangers also arrested seven drug smugglers in a special drug interdiction operation being conducted in the park. [Dwayne Collier, SOAR, via CompuServe message from Herb Gercke, RAD/WRO, 2/25]
An 18-hour surveillance operation in the Ajo Mountain backcountry concluded on March 25th with the arrest of two amateur herpetologists for reptile poaching in the park. Rangers Robert Stinson and Michael Minnerath charged J.O., 22, and P.B., 23, with unlawful taking and possession of wildlife. The pair had captured collared lizards and night snakes with snake sticks and filament line for personal research and college studies. Several other leads concerning poaching activity in other locations are being investigated by rangers. [CompuServe message from Carl Christensen, RAD/WRO, 3/26]
On March 26th, visitors advised rangers that they'd seen people with small back packs getting into a full-size van along Highway 85 in the park. At the same time, rangers and Border Patrol agents were checking an area of recent foot traffic south of park headquarters. Upon receiving the report, rangers Mark Daniel and Susan Hughes located and stopped the suspect vehicle, which was found to be carrying 22 illegal aliens. All were turned over to the Border Patrol. Illegal immigration along the southern Arizona border is up by 65 percent and has significantly increased the workload for law enforcement agencies in the area, including Organ Pipe Cactus, where more than 35 illegal aliens have been arrested so far this year. [Telefax from Carl Christensen, RAD/WRO, 3/26]
Ranger Mark Daniel observed a southbound vehicle travelling at a high rate of speed through the park on March 27th; shortly after beginning a pursuit, he received word from the Pima County sheriff's department that a hit and run accident with major injuries had occurred a few miles north of the park boundary only minutes previously. After a pursuit of over 15 miles, Daniel and ranger Robert Stinson made a felony stop, arrested both occupants of the vehicle, and held them for Arizona DPS officers. The driver was subsequently charged on three felony counts - driving under the influence, aggravated assault, and leaving the scene of an accident with injuries. He was jailed on $20,000 bond. Investigation revealed that the driver was attempting to flee into Mexico to avoid prosecution and that the Border patrol has identified him as a known narcotics smuggler. This incident was one of numerous felonies which occurred within the monument over the past two weeks. [CompuServe message from Carl Christensen, RAD/WRO, 3/31]
On the evening of May 8th, Border Patrol agents patrolling drug smuggling areas in the park responded to a sensor signal and seized over 300 pounds of marijuana which had been transported across the border into the park by foot and picked up by courier several miles south of the visitor center. The vehicle carrying the marijuana was stopped on Highway 85; both occupants fled the scene, but one was arrested after a short pursuit. Recent intelligence has shown a sharp increase in smuggling activity in the area, and rangers are intensifying patrols at targeted locations. [Aniceto Olais, CR, ORPI, via cc:Mail message from Herb Gercke, RAD/WRO, 5/12]
On May 25th, D.W. was found guilty of first degree murder and conspiracy in the murder of his wife in a jury trail in Maricopa County Superior Court. The murder took place in February of 1991 in Puerto Penasco, Mexico. Also implicated in the murder was D.W.'s lover, Gonzalez Patino. Crucial identification information was obtained by prosecutors from a traffic stop made on Patino by rangers Robert Stinson, Mark Daniel and Victor Carrasco in the park shortly after the murder occurred. Although the homicide was unknown at the time of the stop, prosecutors were able to piece together evidence from the stop to develop a case against Patino for fleeing Mexico. The Arizona attorney general will seek the death penalty for D.W. Patino will be tried separately in Mexico for murder and conspiracy. [Cheto Olais, CR, ORPI, via cc:Mail message from Carl Christensen, RAD/WRO, 6/4]
On the evening of May 25th, Border Patrol agents notified the park of suspicious activity on Highway 85 near the north boundary. Rangers Robert Stinson and Chris Ryan responded. They came upon a vehicle operated by J.S., 46, of Temecula, California, and found and confiscated one long-nose snake, one leaf-nose snake, one night snake, and two gecko lizards that had been captured in the park. J.S. was charged with unlawful taking and possession of wildlife. This is the third incident in which snake poachers have been apprehended within the park in the last two months. [Cheto Olais, CR, ORPI, via cc:Mail message from Herb Gercke, RAD/WRO, 6/2]
During a DUI traffic stop on June 12th by rangers and a state trooper, the passenger in the 1992 Toyota pickup was seen attempting to hide several items from his person under the seat. A search of the truck was made and over 100 units of steroids in various forms, including tablets and syringes, were seized. M.D., 19, was arrested and charged with several felonies, including smuggling, unlawful importation, and possession of a controlled substance with intent to distribute. The truck was seized by U.S. Customs. This is the first case involving steroid smuggling which has occurred at Organ Pipe, and it is being investigated jointly by Customs and the NPS. [Cheto Olais, CR, ORPI, via cc:Mail message from Herb Gercke, RAD/WRO, 6/15]
While conducting a drug interdiction patrol on July 16th, a park ranger in the military helicopter spotted two individuals waving distress signals near an isolated area along the north boundary. Upon landing, he contacted two Mexican nationals, one of whom was at least eight months pregnant. The pair had less the two ounces of water left between them, and both were suffering from moderate dehydration. Both had entered the United States through the park and hiked over 20 miles in rugged terrain with temperatures reaching 109 degrees before being picked up. [Cheto Olais, CR, ORPI, 7/27]
Rangers recently completed an eight-week-long, 24-hour-per day drug interdiction effort as part of an overall operation conducted by the Border Alliance Narcotics Network (BANN), a cooperative effort by six agencies in a high intensity drug trafficking area which runs along 150 miles of Arizona/Mexico border. A record number of narcotics seizures were made during the operation. Over 100 reports of suspicious activity in the park were investigated by rangers and resulted in seven separate drug seizures of a total of 52 ounces of heroin and 260 pounds of marijuana. Three arrests were made, and two vehicles were seized. Rangers also arrested a fugitive wanted by U.S. Marshals on escape and drug smuggling charges who had been on the run for over 12 years. In another incident, rangers apprehended a suspect after a pursuit in which the vehicle crashed in the desert and other suspected smugglers fled back into Mexico. Seizures for all agencies, including the park, totalled over two tons of marijuana, 152 grams of cocaine, and 661 grams of peyote. Forty-eight people were arrested and 15 vehicles, 19 weapons and two horses were seized. [Aniceto Olais, CR, ORPI, 12/17]
On December 24th, C.A.R., 27, pled guilty in U.S. District Court to charges filed by the park for unlawful flight and reckless driving following a December 2nd incident in which C.A.R. fled from pursuing rangers. Ground sensors and surveillance personnel had indicated activity in a high intensity drug trafficking area, and C.A.R. and several others were spotted in a vehicle at that location. Rangers attempted unsuccessfully to stop the vehicle and pursued it for four miles before the driver lost control and the vehicle crashed in a wash. The occupants bailed out and headed back towards Mexico, but ranger Thane Weigand was able to apprehend C.A.R. after a brief chase. C.A.R. received a $3,500 fine, five years' probation, and served three weeks in Federal prison. The other suspects are thought to be involved in drug trafficking, and inter-agency investigations are continuing. [RAD/WRO, 12/30]
On January 1st, visitors reported that they'd seen three men dressed in camouflage attire near the park's campground and residential area. The three fled in separate directions after being contacted by a hiking party. Rangers began tracking them and picked up a recent trail leading to and from Mexico. Later that day, four large bales of marijuana, weighing a total of 155 pounds, were discovered hidden in four different locations. Overnight gear was also found at several sites in the area. Because of increased patrol and pressure on traditional trafficking routes, new routes are being utilized by smugglers to avoid detection. [Robert Stinson, ORPI, 1/6]
Rangers received notification on January 4th that a vehicle had been stolen from the park's main campground. Thieves had broken into the vehicle, attempted unsuccessfully to drive it away, then pushed it down to the campground amphitheater to avert discovery while they fled on foot back to Mexico (about four miles south). After two hours of tracking and surveillance, rangers apprehended two suspects about 150 feet north of the border. Two others escaped apprehension. The suspects arrested were Mexican juveniles who are connected with an auto theft gang and have been linked with another auto theft which occurred in the park in December. A joint investigation with the county sheriff is underway. [Aniceto Olais, CR, ORPI, 1/6]
On March 4th, rangers and other members of the Border Anti-Narcotic Network (BANN) task force assisted Customs agents in executing search warrants on a business and five residences in Tucson whose occupants had been under long- term investigation for narcotics trafficking. Numerous vehicles, documents and business records were seized as evidence which linked several individuals to organized, large-scale trafficking of narcotics across the border on public lands. Some of the cases have been linked to past seizures within the park. On March 15th, rangers received word through the task force of possible drug smuggling activity within the park. Surveillance was conducted throughout the night, but proved fruitless. During the early morning hours of the following day, however, the suspect vehicle came through the port of entry at Lukeville, five miles south of park headquarters, and was stopped by the task force north of the park. M.C.C. was arrested for transportation and distribution of controlled substance. A 1978 Oldsmobile and 68.5 pounds of marijuana were seized. An hour later, Border Patrol officers seized a 40-pound load along the same highway. It's believed that both loads were smuggled in by foot and picked up just south of the headquarters complex. Attempts to monitor the suspect areas are underway. [CRO, ORPI, 3/19]
A park visitor discovered a human skull in a dry wash a mile north of the Mexican border on March 19th. A ranger and county detectives investigated and determined that the skull had probably been out in the desert for a long period of time. The skull and a few bone fragments were sent to a crime lab for analysis. The area where the remains were found is commonly used to smuggle narcotics and illegal aliens in to the country. A joint investigation is underway. [Aniceto Olais, CR, ORPI, 3/25]
Rangers participating in an Army training course in the park assisted Customs agents in the seizure of 481 pounds of marijuana on March 31st. The agents had been pursuing eleven Mexican nationals who'd entered the United States illegally and had triggered sensors, but had trouble tracking them because the smugglers had wrapped their shoes with pieces of carpet. All of the trainees and two on-scene helicopters responded, but the pursuit had to be canceled when the helicopters ran low on fuel and the smugglers escaped over the border. Thirty-three bundles of marijuana were seized. [Paul Henry, ORPI, 4/1]
Resource managers spotted several vehicles loaded with a large quantity of dead ironwood (Oleyna tesota) parked on the Mexican side of the border on July 9th. A juvenile who was carrying an armload of wood from the park to the vehicles was detained. Investigating rangers determined that seven Mexican nationals had entered the United States illegally, collected 1500 pounds of ironwood in the park, then loaded it into their vehicles in Mexico. Officials from the office of Mexico's Secretary of Agriculture and Hydraulic Resources (SAHR) were notified and responded promptly. They forced the suspects to return the wood to the park, detained them, and confiscated their vehicles. The juvenile caught within the park was turned over to the Border Patrol. Over the last few years, international cooperation efforts with SAHR and other Mexican federal and state agencies have resulted in an increase in the investigation of criminal and natural resources cases along the border by park rangers. [Aniceto Olais, CR, ORPI, 7/14]
The rains from Tropical Storm Hilary which fell on Chiricahua also led to flooding at Organ Pipe, where up to three and a half inches of rain fell on August 27th. Flooding heavily damaged low water crossings and pavement at upwards of nine locations on Ajo Drive, which was subsequently closed. An archeological site at Wild Horse Tank suffered serious erosion. Highway 85, which crosses the park into Mexico, was closed for at least three hours on Friday evening, as all washes flooded with from three to five feet of water. The cost to repair damage to roadways is estimated at $15,000. [Superintendent, ORPI, 8/31]
Due to an increase in narcotics smuggling activity in the area, rangers conducted a four-day, 24-hour-per-day interdiction operation over the holiday weekend. Arizona National Guard resources were employed in the effort. Over 25 reports of suspicious activity in the park were investigated by rangers and resulted in one seizure of 128 pounds of marijuana, one vehicle seizure, and one narcotics smuggling arrest. Intelligence has shown that several organizations have moved west along the park's boundary because of increased pressure from other agencies. Over 400 pounds of marijuana were seized by officers in the Border Anti-Narcotics Network (BANN) over the last week along. [Cheto Olais, CR, ORPI, 9/7]
Rangers joined Border Patrol agents in an investigation of a stolen vehicle that crashed into the park off Highway 85 on February 6th. While tracking the driver, they received reports that two other stolen Chevrolet Suburbans were heading toward the border. County deputies and a state trooper were in pursuit. Rangers attempted to block off the south end of the highway, but the drivers left the pavement and headed across the desert toward Mexico. Immediate notification to Mexican federal agents proved successful, however, and one of the two vehicles was intercepted and its occupant apprehended. The park is working with state and Mexican authorities to get the vehicle back to its registered owner. [Aniceto Olais, CR, ORPI, 2/14]
Early on the morning of February 14th, rangers assisted in the pursuit and capture of a possible homicide suspect from Tucson, Arizona. The suspect, who was driving a stolen vehicle, led county, federal and tribal police on a chase through the Tohono O'odham reservation into the park. He was finally apprehended in Lukeville on the Mexican border. Speeds over 120 mph were observed during the pursuit. The subject was armed with a shotgun. The investigation continues. [Aniceto Olais, CR, ORPI, 2/14]
During the past five weeks, rangers have assisted with over a half dozen drug seizures within the park and have confiscated over 600 pounds of marijuana. The Border Patrol was the lead agency in most of the seizures. Shipments have varied in size from 30 to 300 pounds; most had been backpacked through the park to specific points along Arizona Highway 85. Several of the incidents included significant resource damage from off road travel by transport vehicles attempting to elude law enforcement personnel. [Aniceto Olais, CR, ORPI, 4/21]
On the evening of December 13th, Border Patrol agents were alerted to sensor activations in an area thought to be used by drug smugglers utilizing horses and mules for transport - a traditional route which crosses through the park to a pass along the Ajo Mountains. On the following morning, a joint NPS, Army, Customs and Border Patrol search led to the confiscation of 134 bales of marijuana totalling just over 3,000 pounds, or about one-and-a-half tons. One individual was arrested, and 20 horses and mules were seized. Several other smugglers fled the scene. The street value of the marijuana is estimated at about $2,257,000. This harvest season marks the first time in numerous years in which stock have been utilized to smuggle marijuana across the border. [Aniceto Olais, CR, ORPI, 12/15]
On the evening of January 27th, a Border Patrol agent and park rangers tracked six to eight individuals who had illegally entered the country for about two- and-a-half miles into the park. Meanwhile, two other Border Patrol agents set up surveillance along a highway close to the visitor center, and discovered five bundles containing about 230 pounds of marijuana at that location. The trackers spotted the smugglers who had brought in the marijuana but were unable to capture them. [Aniceto L. Olais, CR, ORPI, 1/27]
On the evening of February 4th, ranger Michael Baldree came upon a lone Mexican national who appeared to be having car trouble on SR 85 about a mile north of the border. Baldree noticed that the man was unusually nervous. Shortly thereafter, Baldree contacted Border Patrol agents and learned that sensors in the area had recently been tripped, indicating that someone had crossed the border on foot and was heading north. Acting on the suspicion that the driver of the vehicle had been waiting to pick up either illegal aliens or drug smugglers, Baldree and the officers stopped the vehicle, a Mercury Marquis, a few miles further north. There were two undocumented aliens in the vehicle and three packages of marijuana totalling about 34 pounds. The three individuals were arrested and the Mercury was seized. The case will be prosecuted by the county. [CRO, ORPI, 2/7]
Recent activity along the international border within the park indicates that smuggling of drugs by individual packers or "mules" is still a preferred method for bringing drugs into the United States. Between January 27th and February 4th, rangers were involved in three separate smuggling incidents - two in which illegal aliens packing marijuana across the border and one in which a lone rider on horseback was apprehended with 173 pounds of marijuana. Investigation reveals that once the individual packers have made it a reasonable distance from the border they are picked-up by a vehicle and driver on the main highway that goes through the park. The drugs are then taken to a stash house. A total of over 400 pounds of marijuana was confiscated in these incidents, which involved rangers and Border Patrol and Customs officers. [Cheto Olais, ORPI, 2/22]
At the request of police on the Tohono O'odham reservation, rangers provided assistance this month on a ten-day operation focused on drug interdiction on reservation lands adjacent to the park's west boundary. The team seized over a ton of marijuana and four vehicles, made nine arrests, and assisted in the detention and deportation of 39 illegal aliens. This was the most productive local joint operation to date. [Cheto Olais, CR, ORPI, 3/22]
On March 30th, 59-year-old J.W. of Thousand Oaks, California, died while attempting to climb Tillotson Peak. J.W., who was hiking with three companions, went on ahead of the group and attempted to scale a 75-foot cliff face free-handed. He apparently lost his grip, however, and fell, suffering serious head trauma. J.W.'s companions located him, found no signs of life, and attempted CPR; one member of the group notified the county sheriff's office via cellular phone. Rangers recovered the body. An investigation into the circumstances of his death, which was unwitnessed, is underway. [ORPI, 3/31]
During the early morning hours of April 4th, rangers received an emergency request from Pima County dispatch for assistance in the pursuit of a stolen vehicle fleeing south toward Mexico through the park. The driver lost control of his vehicle on South Puerto Blanco Drive and ran off into the open desert, destroying a saguaro cactus and substantially damaging resources. The driver, a suspected undocumented Mexican national, fled on foot and eventually escaped into Mexico. His female passenger, who had been driving the vehicle when deputies first stopped it north of the park, attempted to flee on foot, leaving her two children behind in the vehicle. She was apprehended by a Pima County deputy after a short pursuit. The woman will be charged with felony eluding, possession of a stolen vehicle, and two counts of child abuse. She also had outstanding warrants against her for three counts of counterfeiting, forgery, first degree criminal trespass, and attempting to promote prison contraband. This is the third such pursuit through the park this year. [Aniceto Olais, CR, ORPI, 4/4]
During the month of April, illegal entry into the United States through the park increased dramatically. Rangers apprehended 117 illegal aliens and turned them over to Border Patrol officers. By contrast, only 46 illegal immigrants were arrested during the first three months of the year. The normal apprehension rate for the Border Patrol in this area is 24 per month. The increase may be due to economic conditions in Mexico and the increased Border Patrol presence in Nogales and other major points of entry. [Cheto Olais, CR, ORPI, 5/2]
During the month of May, rangers were dispatched to several vehicle and wildland fires along state highway 85. One of the blazes started in a wash north of the border crossing in Lukeville. The volunteer fire department from Sonoyta, Mexico, responded with two engines and personnel and assisted park staff in controlling and extinguishing the fire. Last year, a 200-acre fire crossed over on park land from Mexico and was successfully controlled by firefighters from both organizations. The park's fire capabilities along the border have been strengthened by cross border structural and wildland fire training, the exchange of equipment and supplies, and shared utilization of resources. [CRO, ORPI, 6/1]
On June 14th, rangers cited W.A., 44, of Stevens Point, Wisconsin, for illegally collecting 22 arthropod specimens in the park. Seized were the specimens, two insect collecting nets, nine-inch surgical tweezers, specimen cages, and specimen preservative. Violation notices were issued for a total of $550. Additional evidence collected at the scene indicated that W.A. may also be collecting reptiles in the future. NPS areas subject to such activities should be on the lookout for him. W.A. told rangers that he had already passed through the Grand Canyon area and Lost Dutchman State Park and that he was headed for southern Arizona. W.A.'s DOB is January 8, 1951. He is described as a white male, 5'7" in height, weighing 135 pounds, with brown hair and eyes. He's driving a red 1989 Pontiac four door with Wisconsin plates JAU-294. [Fred Moosman, PR, ORPI, 6/23]
Shortly after noon on July 15th, sensors along an isolated park road were activated in an area where illegal border crossings occurred last month. Because of travel distance and staffing shortages, the Border Patrol was summoned for assistance, and Border Patrol officers subsequently stopped a vehicle a few miles north of the park. The two male occupants fled, abandoning the vehicle and about 500 pounds of marijuana. Within an hour, several Border Patrol sensors went off near Lukeville; since the officers were involved in the above incident, ranger Fred Moosman was asked to check these sensors with a Customs agent. Two vehicles were stopped; the occupants of one fled, but four illegal aliens in the other were arrested. No drugs were found in either of these vehicles. Such incidents of multiple, simultaneous border crossings by drug smugglers and illegal aliens are a recent trend in the area. [Aniceto Olais, CR, ORPI]
Rangers cited four individuals on August 16th for illegally collecting reptiles, possession of snake capture sticks, and firearms violations. Ranger Fred Moosman seized four professional snake collecting hooks, and fined them over $800. The men admitted to snake collecting and had tiger rattlesnakes (Crotalus tigris) in their possession. They were driving four separate vehicles and were equipped with CB radios, handheld spotlights, a video camera, a 35 mm camera, a semi-automatic rifle, a revolver, and two semi-automatic pistols. One of the three said that he'd recently visited Joshua Tree, and the other mentioned the Chiricahua area and Big Bend. Detailed information on the men and their vehicles have been provided to appropriate agencies and the local wildlife task force. For further information, contact either Fred Moosman or Aniceto Olais at the park. [Aniceto Olais, CR, ORPI]
Rangers arrested two Mexican nationals in the park for transportation of narcotics across the border on the evening of November 21st. A National Guard helicopter with forward-looking infrared (FLIR) sensing devices located the suspects; personnel aboard the helicopter detained them until Customs agents and rangers could reach the scene. Several bundles of marijuana weighing about 35 pounds were found near the scene. Tracks at the scene matched the footwear of the two men who were arrested. [Aniceto Olais, CR, ORPI]
The park received word of a 38-year-old female cardiac patient being transported into the country from Mexico. Rangers Tillman, Baldree and Pennington responded and found her to be unconscious, unresponsive and in apparent cardiac arrest. Tillman and Baldree began CPR and administered oxygen, successfully resuscitating the patient. She went into apparent cardiac arrest twice more before an ALS unit arrived on scene; the rangers resuscitated her on both occasions. She was taken to a hospital in Tucson for further treatment. [Aniceto Olais, CR, ORPI]
On December 10th, Border Patrol agents requested assistance from rangers in stopping a vehicle that had turned around on them and was heading south into Mexico. Rangers successfully utilized "stop sticks" (tire deflation devices) and were able to stop the vehicle. Although the vehicle's occupants were able to flee the area due to low light conditions, the rangers seized the 1982 XLT Ford Bronco and 92 bundles of marijuana weighing just over 600 pounds. Street value is placed at about $500,000. Smugglers frequently race back to the border when officers attempt to stop them; this stop and seizure would not have been possible without utilization of the tire deflation devices. [Aniceto Olais, CR, ORPI]
Rangers Pennington, Tillman and Moosman were the first emergency units to arrive at Lukeville on the Mexican border as part of the multi-agency response to the bus accident that killed 26 people in Mexico on January 1st. First reports were that from 10 to 100 seriously injured patients were en route to Lukeville via Mexican Red Cross ambulances from the scene of the accident between two commercial passenger buses, which occurred about 14 miles south of the border town of Sonoyta. Eight air ambulances from hospitals in Tucson and Phoenix and EMS units from Pima, Ajo, the Tohono O'Odham Nation and Arizona DPS also responded. The rangers were involved in incident command, patient triage and direct patient treatment. A total of 52 people were involved in the accident. Most of those who weren't killed were seriously injured. Seven patients with major injuries were air-lifted from Lukeville; remaining victims were taken to Mexican hospitals until those facilities were filled. [Aniceto Olais, CR, ORPI]
Two men attempted to carjack a visitor's four-wheel-drive GMC truck from the park's campground on the afternoon of January 29th. They pulled the driver from the truck while he was unhitching it from a motorhome, drove through the campground loops in attempt to flee the area, then drove off the road for about a mile until they reached a paved access road, where rangers were waiting. They drove around the ranger vehicles, but subsequently crashed into a wash embankment, abandoned the truck, and fled on foot. Rangers secured the area and began watching for the suspects. About two hours later, they spotted one of the two men. Rangers Brent Pennington, Rich Finerty and Susan Hughes arrested him. The man, who proved to be an undocumented alien, was intoxicated and suffered from cuts and bruises sustained in the accident. The victim and witnesses identified him as the assailant and driver, and he later confessed to and was charged with aggravated robbery. His accomplice was not located. This is the first case of carjacking to ever occur in the park. [Aniceto L. Olais, CR, ORPI]
Early on the morning of July 14th, Border Patrol agents informed rangers that a man and woman in a brown GMC Jimmy with Ontario plates asked for park information and for directions to Quitobaquito Springs. A few hours later, visitors returning from those springs reported that two people from the described vehicle were collecting turtles there. Rangers contacted Karen Fortyn and John Rene Bilodeau. The pair informed the rangers that they were photographing turtles, not collecting them, but had six snakes in their vehicle. Fortyn showed rangers a copy of an Arizona state collecting permit and said that the reptiles had been collected near the city of Ajo and on the Tohono O'odahm reservation. The snakes, collecting tools and containers were seized and mandatory appearance violation notices were issued. Further investigation revealed that the two had violated the conditions of their permit by keeping specimens not identified on the permit and by collecting outside of the permitted area. Hotel and gas receipts showed that they'd travelled throughout west Texas, and information on an air shipping company that handles wildlife was also found during the search. The investigation continues. [M. Baldree, PR, ORPI]
On the afternoon of August 3rd, rangers impounded a vehicle which had been driven off-road and abandoned. During the inventory of the vehicle, they came upon the driver's wallet, identifying him as L.B. of Prescott, Arizona, and a receipt dated two days previously for a revolver. They contacted L.B.'s wife and a co-worker and determined that he had been depressed and that they were expecting the worst. The area was searched and L.B.'s body was found. Notes found on his body and in the vehicle indicated that he'd committed suicide. [M. Baldree, ORPI]
On July 16th, rangers contacted two Canadians regarding illegal collecting of reptiles at Quitobaquito Springs. Investigation subsequently revealed that K.F., 37, of Welland, Ontario, had a prior record with both the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and Canadian Wildlife Service for several reptile collecting violations. Rangers and criminal investigator Dan Wirth worked with officers from those two agencies and the state game and fish division to acquire additional background information, details on local contacts, and other intelligence on K.F., who has spent a good deal of time in the Southwest since 1989. K.F. has used state collection permits, which he presents to requesting officials to show he has the necessary authorizations; the permits, however, are generally not for the species he's collected and are for other locations. Six snakes, numerous collecting devices, and several maps were seized by rangers. Karel and his accomplice, J.B., also from Welland, Ontario, have pled guilty to various resource violations and paid $400 in fines. This is the second major snake poaching case the park's staff has worked this summer. [Aniceto Olais, CR, ORPI]
On October 10th, a 1985 Ford LTD being driven by J.M. was stopped by Customs officers at the Lukeville port of entry from Mexico due to the strong odor of marijuana emanating from the car. No marijuana was found. The car broke down, however, and had to be towed back to Mexico. Accompanying J.M. was a Mexican national identified as a suspect who had led rangers on numerous vehicle chases. J.M. returned into the U.S. in a 1995 custom Chevrolet extended cab pick-up, but immediately drove back into Mexico. J.M. then entered the country a third time, drove to a local, privately- owned motel and campground, then continued north along the park highway. Rangers and Border Patrol agents stopped the truck in the park. During the subsequent consent search, rangers found 164 pounds of marijuana in 70 small bundles in four duffel bags. Seized were pagers, a cell phone, and the truck, valued at $31,000. Also found underneath the middle seat console was a plastic pistol. J.M. was found to be on parole for narcotics convictions in California. [Aniceto Olais, CR, ORPI]
During the early morning hours of October 16th, park maintenance employees commuting to work spotted several individuals loading bundles into a vehicle along the highway in an area known for drug smuggling. Rangers responded and advised other agencies to be on the lookout for the identified vehicle. When they arrived on scene, the rangers found evidence of at least four separate tracks of backpackers. Border Patrol officers spotted and stopped the vehicle north of the park. Four large bales of marijuana weighing 166 pounds and possessing a street value of $133,000 were found within. Each bale was rigged with seatbelt shoulder straps for easier carrying. One 19-year-old Mexican national was arrested, and a 1988 Nissan sedan was seized. The contraband had been backpacked from Mexico to the pickup point over a distance of nearly eight miles through rough and broken terrain, all within the park. This was the sixth drug seizure made within the park over the past three weeks. Continued activity is expected due to the on-going marijuana harvest in the Mexican interior. [Aniceto Olais, CR, ORPI]
During a drug interdiction operation with the National Guard on November 12th, rangers seized 234 pounds of marijuana from four backpackers just south of park headquarters. Surveillance teams saw the four, all dressed in black, carrying large loads to points near a highway. They fled after being contacted; rangers pursued them, but without luck. Due to the quantity of tracks in the area left by hundreds of undocumented aliens and/or drug smugglers, it proved difficult to track the individuals back to Mexico. This is the fourth major drug seizure made by Organ Pipe rangers this harvest season. So far, a dozen drug cases involving over $3 million in drugs have been recorded in the park this season. [Aniceto Olais, CR, ORPI]
The park received a report of a single-vehicle accident on Highway 85 on the afternoon of March 20th. Responding rangers found that a late-model pickup had left the roadway and rolled several times before coming to a stop. The driver was thrown from the vehicle and killed. His identity is unknown. While going through an initial inspection at the border with Mexico, he'd fled at a high rate of speed and entered the U.S. illegally. No drugs were found in the vehicle. The investigation continues. [Cheto Olais, CR, ORPI, 3/21]
While investigating an abandoned and burned late model pickup truck along South Puerto Blanco Drive on the evening of April 10th, rangers discovered charred human remains in the passenger compartment. The scene was secured until a Pima County homicide unit could process the scene the following day. A dozen items of physical evidence were collected, including a large knife. Rangers assisted in the collection of evidence and in following associated tracks. The vehicle had been driven into the country from Mexico illegally, as is the case with many other abandoned and burned vehicles found in the park. The homicide investigation continues. [Karl Pearson, ACR, ORPI, 4/12]
The park's maintenance compound was broken into on the morning of June 25th and about $4,000 worth of equipment was stolen or vandalized. The burglars entered an office and nine vehicles, attempting unsuccessfully to hot wire one of the latter. A Border Patrol agent spooked two suspects along South Puerto Blanco drive, and they fled into Mexico, leaving a cache of stolen items, including a stolen mountain bike with they used to transport them cross country. Many of the items were recovered. A joint investigation by park rangers and Pima County and Mexican officers is underway. [CRO, ORPI, 6/27]
On September 7th, Border Patrol agents alerted rangers to a vehicle fleeing south through the park towards Mexico on Highway 85. The vehicle was spotted on South Puerto Blanco Road and was pursued by a ranger. The vehicle ran off the road and became stuck in the open desert; the driver fled on foot into Mexico. Investigation revealed that the vehicle contained 195 pounds of marijuana, a two-way radio and a metal detector. It also had a park entrance permit dated September 2nd on its windshield. [Karl Pearson, ACR, ORPI, 9/8]
A multi-agency task force which included the NPS, Customs and INS participated in a four-day checkpoint operation at the Lukeville border crossing over the Labor Day weekend. Over 30 officers and rangers checked north and southbound traffic. A performance by a gangster-rap singer in Puerto Penasco, Mexico, drew numerous gang members from the Tucson and Phoenix area. Southbound traffic lines extended to as long as two-and-a-half miles into the park during the first two days of the weekend. Enforcement actions included nine warrant arrests, three DUI arrests, 30 cases of possession of alcohol by minors, 13 arrests for possession of narcotics, eight seized vehicles, and numerous citations for concealed weapons, reckless driving, speeding and failure to obey traffic orders. No accidents or major EMS incidents occurred within park lands. [Aniceto Olais, CR, ORPI, 9/10]
A major inter-agency search has been underway since September 15th for 45- year-old D.R. of California. His vehicle was found parked at a remote trailhead. Investigation by rangers has revealed that D.R. is a loner who pushes himself to his physical limits in desert hikes. The search effort is focusing on the Senita Basin area. Karl Pearson is IC. Temperatures have been over 100 degrees throughout the period. [Aniceto Olais, CR, ORPI, 9/18]
On October 10, 1996, a 1985 Ford LTD being driven by J.M. was stopped in the park by rangers based on information provided by Customs officers after J.M. crossed into the country from Mexico. During the subsequent consent search, rangers found and seized 164 pounds of marijuana in 70 small bundles in four duffel bags. Also seized were pagers, a cell phone, and the truck, which was valued at $31,000. Following his pre-trial hearing, J.M. fired his assigned public defender, then subsequently fired a second assigned public defender. J.M. eventually plead guilty to smuggling and received a sentence of six-and-a-half years in prison and six-and-a-half years on probation. [Aniceto Olais, CR, ORPI, 10/13]
On September 15th, a major inter-agency search was begun for 45-year-old D.R. of California, whose vehicle was found parked at a remote trailhead. Investigation by rangers revealed that D.R. was a loner with a history of pushing himself to his physical limits in desert hikes. The search effort continued for a full week, but no sign of him was found. Rangers are continuing to look for him on weekly backcountry patrols. [Aniceto Olais, CR, ORPI, 11/5]
On the morning of November 7th, rangers Fred Moosman and Steve Ganitsch responded to the activation of remote sensors near South Puerto Blanco Drive, an area historically known as a drug smuggling route. They came upon a motor home on the drive; as they approached to contact the occupants, two men - both Mexican nationals - climbed out the vehicle's rear window and fled, apparently across the border. The motor home was found to contain just over 500 pounds of marijuana with a street value of over $400,000. Two U.S. citizens in the vehicle were taken into custody. They indicated that one or both of the Mexicans was carrying a sidearm during the transaction. The case is currently being investigated by the NPS and Customs. This adds to the ten significant seizures already made by the local drug task force this fall. [Aniceto Olais, CR, ORPI, 11/10]
On September 15, 1997, a major inter-agency search was begun for 45-year-old D.R. of California, whose vehicle was found parked at a remote trailhead. Investigation by rangers revealed that D.R. was a loner with a history of pushing himself to his physical limits in desert hikes. The search effort continued for a full week, but no sign of him was found. On January 7th, a hiker reported that he had found a human skull in the park. Rangers and a representative from the Pima County Sheriff's Office investigated and found additional skeletal remains and articles of clothing. The cause of death was determined to have been environmental exposure. [Aniceto Olais, CR, ORPI, 1/25]
Rangers and Border Patrol agents stopped a rental RV from California with two occupants on Highway 85 on the morning of January 21st. The vehicle was stopped near the point along Puerto Blanco Drive where the agents had earlier that day found 716 pounds of marijuana. The two men had in their possession several ounces of marijuana, drug paraphernalia, and photos of themselves among several hundred pounds of marijuana bundles. The investigation is continuing. [Aniceto Olais, CR, ORPI, 1/30]
A Border Patrol van returning 13 undocumented aliens to Mexico suffered a tire blowout while passing through the park on July 3rd. The driver lost control and went off the road; the van rolled at least once. Ranger/EMT Fred Moosman was the first on scene. He began triage of the victims, provided emergency field care, and summoned additional help. Moosman was joined by several off-duty paramedics who also witnessed the accident. Injuries varied from minor abrasions to life-threatening head, chest and abdominal injuries. The park's structural firefighting crew and engine responded along with numerous local and state police, fire and EMS units. Seven air evacuation helicopters airlifted the injured to hospitals. The remainder were transported by ambulances to local clinics. [Aniceto Olais, CR, ORPI, 7/3]
On July 13th, rangers Steve Ganitsch, Karl Pearson and Border Patrol agents found the body of H.R., a suspected undocumented alien, in the park's backcountry. They also contacted another undocumented alien, J.A., who said that he and H.R. had entered the park from Mexico around 9 p.m. on the previous night. The crossing area they utilized is a high traffic area for drugs and illegal entry into the United States. The two traveled about 15 miles on foot. They ran out of water, and the temperature reached 118 degrees. Rangers retrieved H.R.'s body and released it to the medical examiner in Tucson. J.A. was taken into custody by the Border Patrol. [Aniceto Olais, CR, ORPI, 7/16]
A woman in her 20's who probably crossed illegally into the United States from Mexico died from heat exposure on July 25th after she'd walked about 20 miles in temperatures above 110 degrees. She was traveling across the park with a group of five other illegal aliens when she began suffering from dehydration. Her companions were able to get her to the highway, where a ranger and ambulance personnel attempted unsuccessfully to revive her. This is the second such fatality to occur in the park this summer. [Aniceto Olais, CR, ORPI, 7/27]
Border Patrol agents contacted rangers by radio on the afternoon of July 30th and asked for help in stopping a vehicle suspected of illegally entering the United States through the park. The agents had tried to stop the vehicle, but the driver had fled from them and raced south toward the border at speeds approaching 100 mph on Highway 85, a north-south route that bisects the park. Customs agents pursuing the car asked rangers to place tire deflation devices on the road to terminate the chase. Ranger Fred Moosman did so, but the vehicle continued on two deflated tires for another four miles before stopping just a half mile short of the border. The driver then attempted to flee on foot, but was apprehended by Border Patrol agents. Just over 213 pounds of marijuana were found packed in the vehicle's trunk. [Fred Moosman, ORPI, 7/31]
On August 9th, rangers responded to a report of smoke emanating from the ranch house at Dos Lomitas, a historic structure on the Camino de dos Republicas Road. They found that the fire had caused severe structural damage to three of the building's four rooms and to the outside ramada. Dos Lomitas is on the National Register of Historic Places. Costs for stabilization and repair of the structure have been estimated at $50,000. Neither the identity of the arsonist nor the exact time the fire was begun have yet been determined. [Susan Hughes, PR, ORPI, 8/28]
Two armed, masked men in their early 20s ambushed a park visitor driving east on South Puerto Blanco Drive around 2 p.m. on November 12th. They ran out of the desert towards the passing vehicle and pointed handguns at the driver, a 47-year-old visitor from Greenville, Maine. The visitor sped off and reported that he heard one shot fired. The incident occurred at a point where the drive is only 100 yards from the border with Mexico, and is a major point for illegal entry into the U.S. from that country. Rangers, Border Patrol agents, county deputies and Mexican officials are cooperating in the investigation. [Karl Pearson, ACR, ORPI, 11/13]
During the two-week period between November 30th and December 12th, an interagency BANN (Border Anti-Narcotics Network) drug task force operation along the southern Arizona border resulted in a record number of arrests and seizures. The operation involved about 30 rangers, officers and agents from the National Park Service, Customs, Pima County sheriff's office and the Tohono O'odham police department. Rangers Jolene Johnson and Jon Young participated from the NPS. The operation resulted in the arrest of 23 people and the seizure of 9,469 pounds of marijuana, over two pounds of cocaine, 14 grams of heroin, 17 vehicles, two horses, and about $2,300 in cash. Other Organ Pipe rangers assisted with surveillance, monitoring of land sensors, and overflights of park lands. Most of the seizures occurred on reservation lands located just west of the park's boundary. The United States will be prosecuting all cases stemming from the operation. [Aniceto L. Olais, CR, ORPI, 12/14]
Border Patrol agents asked ranger Mike Gallant to stop a Ford pickup truck suspected of illegally entering the United States on December 19th. Gallant observed a large quantity of marijuana in the bed of the truck; two men were arrested and 392 pounds of marijuana, valued at about $313,000, was seized. Investigation revealed that the drugs had been carried about 500 yards into the park across the international boundary, then picked up and loaded into the truck. In an effort to look like normal park visitors, the men paid the park entrance fee and obtained a permit just hours before the incident. When arrested, they had a park brochure and map in their possession. The investigation is continuing. [Aniceto Olais, CR, ORPI, 12/21]
On January 12th, rangers pursued two vehicles that failed to stop for both Border Patrol and NPS units. The two vehicles traveled south at high speeds in both the southbound and northbound lanes, forcing the drivers of a half dozen vehicles to leave the road in order to avoid getting hit. Stop sticks were employed to stop one of the two vehicles after a five mile pursuit; in trying to avoid the devices, the driver lost control of the vehicle, which went off the road and rolled over. Nine illegal aliens were hurt, with injuries ranging from minor lacerations to severe head trauma. The second vehicle made it through the road block. High speed pursuits have become more frequent over the past two months. Two other vehicles transporting illegal aliens were halted on January 10th only through the use of stop sticks. In December, rangers assisted Arizona Highway Patrol officers in the pursuit of a stolen truck that began in the park. After being chased for 30 miles, the driver abruptly stopped, put the truck into reverse, rammed the state trooper's cruiser, then escaped into Mexico. Rangers spotted the same truck heading north on Highway 85 the next day and a second pursuit ensued. The driver attempted the same ploy - putting his vehicle into reverse in an effort to ram a ranger vehicle - but was unsuccessful. He was nonetheless able to escape back to Mexico. [Aniceto Olais, CR, ORPI, 1/15]
During an interdiction operation on the night of January 25th, rangers arrested one man for narcotics trafficking and seized four bundles of marijuana totaling just over 150 pounds. Rangers Phil Akers, Karl Pearson, and Jon Young set up a sensor operation in a backcountry area frequently used by drug traffickers. Shortly after midnight, four men backpacking large marijuana bundles appeared. Akers and Young tracked them from behind and surprised the group while they were resting. One Mexican national was taken into custody; the other three fled on foot. The marijuana and the man who was arrested were flown out in a Customs helicopter. Also seized were a cellular phone and a pair of Motorola two-way radios with a range of up to five miles. Radios and cellular phones are becoming more common among traffickers in remote areas. Customs sources report that smugglers are much more likely to be convicted and serve time on trafficking charges if they can be caught with communications devices. The U.S. attorney's office is prosecuting this case with assistance from both Customs and the NPS. [Karl Pearson, Acting CR, ORPI, 1/21]
On February 18th, a county deputy working with a ranger discovered 23.5 pounds of marijuana hidden in the door panel of a vehicle during a traffic stop associated with an inter-agency narcotics operation. The driver was arrested and the vehicle seized. The vehicle had entered the United States from Mexico. Thirteen illegal aliens were also apprehended during the operation and turned over to the Border Patrol. [Aniceto L. Olais, CR, ORPI, 2/20]
The driver of a pickup heading north on Highway 85 on February 25th lost control of his vehicle, crossed the center line, and was struck broadside by a southbound vehicle towing a large boat. The driver of the pickup was ejected from his vehicle and killed. The truck caught fire, but the blaze was extinguished by the park's structural fire brigade. The southbound vehicle rolled into a deep wash next to the highway, sending the boat airborne for 50 feet into the desert. All four occupants were injured. One critical patient was flown to Tucson, the others were transported by ambulance. The highway was closed for several hours. Numerous federal and local agencies assisted at the scene. Speed is considered to have been the primary cause for the accident. [Jon Young, IC, ORPI, 2/27]
Border Patrol agents asked rangers for assistance in pursuit of a pickup truck within the park on April 17th. Customs inspectors were also summoned, and they used stop sticks to deflate the truck's left front tire. The pursuit continued for four miles onto a dirt road near the border with Mexico, at which point the driver lost control of the truck and abandoned it 50 yards off the road. A ranger chased the driver on foot for 500 yards, but had to break off pursuit when he crossed the border into Mexico. Rangers found 728.5 pounds of marijuana in the bed of the pickup under a fiberglass bed cover. It's becoming common for drug traffickers to flee from enforcement officials along the border. [Aniceto Olais, CR, ORPI, 4/20]
J.S., 28, lost control of his car as it was heading north through the park at a very high rate of speed on state highway 85. The vehicle rolled several times, slid on its roof for 150 feet, and came to rest in the southbound lane. J.S. was pronounced dead at the scene; passenger Karen Gustafson, 27, was critically injured and flown to a hospital in Phoenix. The highway was closed for several hours. Numerous federal, state and local agencies responded, including members of the park's structural fire brigade, who assisted with vehicle stabilization and fire protection. The accident was evidently caused by a combination of alcohol, prescription narcotics, and speed (the car was traveling in excess of 100 mph). [Jon Young, IC, ORPI, 5/7]
On May 23rd, an off-duty ranger saw a car veer off the highway into the desert. When the ranger stopped to provide assistance, the single male driver fled into the desert. Forty-nine pounds of marijuana were found in the vehicle. On June 15th, rangers found and seized three backpacks containing 109 pounds of marijuana in the brush along Highway 85 within the park. [Jon Young, PR, ORPI, 6/17]
On July 13th, a ranger assisted Border Patrol agents with the seizure of 448 pounds of marijuana. The agents employed night vision equipment to detect ten "backpackers" along Highway 85 within the park. Once they realized they had been detected, the packers dropped their loads and fled into the desert. Air observers, tracking teams, and lookouts failed to locate them. [Karl Pearson, ACR, ORPI, 7/13]
Rangers from the park and from Saguaro NP seized 340 pounds of marijuana smuggled in from Mexico during a special operation on the evening of August 9th. Three men were transporting the marijuana on five pack horses through a remote wilderness area known for drug trafficking. When the rangers confronted the three men, they dropped six bundles of marijuana and fled on horseback and escaped capture. [Karl Pearson, Acting CR, ORPI, 8/11]
Rangers from the park and from Saguaro NP stopped a vehicle on Highway 85 on the morning of August 11th, seized 157 pounds of marijuana from the vehicle's trunk, and arrested the driver. The driver was arrested last year for smuggling marijuana in a concealed vehicle compartment at the Lukeville port of entry. The U.S. Attorney's Office is prosecuting the case with assistance from rangers and Customs officers. This was the second seizure in two days during the same special operation. [Karl Pearson, Acting CR, ORPI, 7/24]
On August 28th, two Border Patrol agents tracked a group of ten suspected drug traffickers to a wilderness area in the park. A helicopter was summoned and located the suspects, who abandoned their contraband and fled in several directions into the desert. A ranger patrolling a dirt road in the area responded to a radio request for backup and apprehended one of the men as he fled south toward Mexico. The agents apprehended three others; the remaining six escaped. Eleven makeshift "backpacks" with 468.2 pounds of marijuana were seized. [Karl Pearson, ACR, ORPI, 8/30]
On September 2nd, a ranger began tracking a group of suspected drug smugglers near Highway 85. Border Patrol agents assisted. Nine backpack bundles with a total of 415 pounds of marijuana were found stashed in the area. A group of suspected smugglers was spotted several hundred yards away, fleeing south into the desert. Three Border Patrol agents and the ranger pursued the group for almost two hours until loosing their track in rocky terrain. [Jon Young, Ranger, ORPI, 9/8]
During an interdiction operation on December 3rd, rangers and Customs officers tracked a group of suspected smugglers through the park onto Tohono O'Odham tribal lands. The group was tracked to the spot where they'd stashed 16 backpacks of marijuana containing 692 pounds of marijuana. Later on the same day, rangers assisted a Border Patrol agent with the seizure of eight backpacks within the park containing a total of 587 pounds of marijuana. On December 4th, two rangers tracked yet another group of backpackers to a cache containing eight backpacks with 354 pounds of marijuana. The total seizure came to just over three-quarters of a ton. On December 2nd, rangers also found five rounds of 7.62 x 39, Russian-made ammunition with a load of drugs smuggled through the park - another indicator of the slowly growing trend of smugglers carrying weapons in the area, possibly due to increased pressure from law enforcement agencies. [J. Young, PR, ORPI, 12/7]
On December 14th, a ranger tracked a group of suspected smugglers to an area where they'd stashed ten bundles of marijuana totaling 217 pounds. The bundles were found about 30 feet from the location where eight bundles were seized on December 4th. [Jon Young, PR, ORPI, 12/20]
Rangers concluded a three-day special operation on December 18th. Air and ground observation was provided by the Arizona National Guard; additional assistance was provided by Border Patrol and Customs agents. The operation resulted in the seizure of over 1,100 pounds of marijuana and a recreational vehicle that had been used to smuggle undocumented aliens across the border. [Andrew Artz, PR, ORPI, 12/18]
A ranger discovered a group of suspected smugglers in a heavily used drug trafficking area near Highway 85 on January 24th. Five backpack bundles of marijuana totaling 242 pounds were seized. Border Patrol agents saw five suspects running south from the area toward the Mexican border. No arrests were made. [J. Young, PR, ORPI, 2/1]
On February 13th, rangers provided initial basic life support to a woman from Phoenix who had been shot twice in the chest while in Mexico and managed to drive the 29 miles back to the port of entry into the U.S. at Lukeville. She was with two others who had been shot and killed in the incident, which occurred on the road to Puerto Panasco. She remains hospitalized. The American consulate in Nogales is working with Mexican officials on the investigation. No arrests had been made as of February 15th. [Karl Pearson, Acting CR, ORPI, 2/15]
A special anti-narcotics operation conducted in the park between February 18th and 21st resulted in record seizures and apprehensions. During a night operation employing an Arizona National Guard (ANG) helicopter with infrared sensing equipment, a ranger spotted individuals loading backpacks of marijuana into a truck along Highway 85. Three arrests were made (including two people in an associated scout vehicle) and 563 pounds of marijuana were seized. The next night, an Arizona ANG team with night vision scopes discovered seven backpackers near the park's main campground. An NPS team pursued them. Although they were able to flee back into Mexico, they abandoned their load of 373 pounds of marijuana. Two-way radios were also seized. The load was evidently being delivered to an RV in the campground. During the final day of the operation, two rangers working with Customs officers tracked backpackers for 15 miles through the park and seized 415 pounds of marijuana. Forty-two illegal immigrants were also apprehended during the operation; another 115 were spotted and referred to the Border Patrol. [Karl Pearson, Acting CR, ORPI, 2/25]
A ranger on patrol on South Puerto Blanco Road on March 29th was contacted by a German couple who reported that they'd been robbed at gunpoint at the Quitoboquito Springs parking lot. The two young male assailants took the couple's video and 35 mm cameras, then fled over the international border into Mexico and drove off in a VW Rabbit. Rangers found the abandoned Rabbit on South Puerto Blanco Road on the U.S. side of the border about an hour later and eleven miles east of the spot where the robbery occurred. They were joined by Border Patrol agents in tracking the pair, following their footprints east for two miles before they were lost among other tracks on a trail frequented by illegal immigrants. It's believed that the two men returned to Mexico. The county sheriff's office is investigating. [Dale Thompson, CR, ORPI, 3/30]
While patrolling on Puerto Blanco Drive on April 29th, supervisory ranger Karl Pearson noticed footprints crossing the roadway near Dripping Springs. The prints appeared to have been brushed out. Pearson followed the prints north for two and a half miles through the desert, gaining evidence along the way that the tracks had been left by smugglers, not illegal aliens. Pearson eventually came on about ten backpackers resting in a drainage. He maintained surveillance on them while calling for backup and a Customs helicopter. Both arrived within an hour. Six of the smugglers were arrested, and 377 pounds of marijuana were confiscated. On April 8th, a ranger stopped a suspicious RV that had been in the Twin Peaks campground and found 336 pounds of marijuana hidden under the bed and inside cabinets. Backpackers from Mexico had delivered the marijuana to the RV during the early morning hours. The driver was arrested. Customs is continuing the investigation. On April 30th, seasonal ranger Kris Eggle saw a vehicle off the road and stuck in the desert with a flat tire near Highway 85. The occupants fled into the desert. Investigation led to the discovery of 287 pounds of marijuana inside and hidden near the vehicle. Rangers and Customs agents are investigating. [Dale Thompson, CR, ORPI, 5/2]
During an interagency interdiction operation on the night of May 4th, backpackers were spotted loading bundles into a motor home in the Twin Peaks campground. Rangers made a felony vehicle stop on the RV as it was leaving the park. Officers from the Border Patrol, Customs, Pima County and other agencies assisted with the stop. Three people were arrested and 464 pounds of marijuana were seized. [Dale Thompson, CR, ORPI, 5/26]
Rangers responded to a sensor alarm located along a suspected drug smuggling trail at 4 a.m. on May 24th. They confirmed that there were fresh foot tracks in the area and that attempts had been made to sweep them out. They tracked the suspects for about five miles across the desert in temperatures over 100 degrees. The smugglers were found sleeping in a wash at 1:30 p.m. Five rangers, five officers from cooperating agencies and the crew of a Blackhawk helicopter pursued, captured and arrested eight of them. The smugglers were equipped with night vision equipment, a cellular phone, and radios. An extensive search of the area led to the discovery of 501 pounds of marijuana hidden in the wash. The camp, which had evidently been used many times in the past, contained several hundred pounds of litter. Rangers are handling the case through the U.S. Attorney's Office in Tucson. [Dale Thompson, CR, ORPI, 5/26]
On May 5th, rangers and Border Patrol agents found the body of R.G., 23, of El Zapote, Michoacan, Mexico, on a trail frequently used by illegal immigrants into the United States. His body had been there for several days. Heat exposure is believed to have been the cause of death. [Dale Thompson, CR, ORPI, 7/3]
Rangers and Border Patrol and Customs officers conducted a search for a smugglers camp in the desert west of Highway 85 on July 11th. A support helicopter with a ranger on board was employed in the operation. The ranger spotted a rental pickup truck heading north on Highway 85 that appeared to contain bundles of marijuana in its bed. Border Patrol agents attempted to pull the vehicle over in the town of Why within the park, but the driver refused to stop. County deputies employed spikes to deflate the vehicles tires just outside of the town of Ajo, but the truck continued heading north. The helicopter overhead gave directions to ground units in pursuit. The truck finally wrecked; the 22-year-old female driver and her male companion were arrested. A loaded 9mm semi-automatic handgun was found on the truck's console, and a total of 528.5 pounds of marijuana wrapped in 70-pound backpacker bales were found in the bed. The county is processing the case under Arizona law. [Dale Thompson, CR, ORPI, 7/11]
A ranger checking known drug drop-off areas along Highway 85 while on early morning patrol on July 17th saw a vehicle being driven slowly, the driver employing its horn as if signaling drug backpackers of his presence. When he took a closer look, he found over 140 pounds of bundled marijuana about 100 feet off the highway in a wash. A Border Patrol agent captured two Mexican nationals in the area, but they were treated as undocumented aliens and repatriated due to lack of evidence tying them to the drop. The marijuana was turned over to Customs. [Dale Thompson, CR, ORPI, 7/17]
On July 24th, Fish and Wildlife Service personnel notified rangers that they'd found the body of a Mexican national in a vehicle near the park's northwest boundary on a road that passes through the park and into Cabeza Prieta NWR. Evidence indicated that the vehicle had been used to smuggle undocumented aliens into the country and that it became stuck while returning to Mexico. The driver failed in attempts to free the vehicle, ran out of drinking water, and died of heat exposure within a few days. Evidence also indicated that a second vehicle traveling the same route failed to stop to provide assistance. It had instead passed the stuck vehicle and returned to Mexico. [Dale Thompson, CR, ORPI, 7/27]
On the afternoon of July 29th, rangers received a request from Pima County to deploy "stop sticks" to halt a southbound vehicle fleeing to Mexico at speeds up to 115 mph. The sticks were placed on the highway, but the driver managed to get around them and they were instead struck by a county vehicle. Two other deputies took up the chase and another attempt to stop the vehicle was made four miles further down the road. The fleeing vehicle narrowly missed a Border Patrol vehicle and another car containing a family that had pulled well off the road, but struck a Customs officer from the port of entry in Lukeville in the right leg. The vehicle continued for another 100 yards or so, then ran into a ditch while attempting to turn onto a gravel park road that parallels the border. When the driver got out, it appeared to Border Patrol and county officers that he was reaching into his waistband for a weapon. Several shots were fired; one round struck the driver in the hand and exited through his forearm. Rangers performed EMS on both the driver and the Customs officer that he hit. Both were flown by air ambulance to Tucson. Two people were arrested. No drugs had been found in the vehicle at the time of the report. A multi-agency investigation is underway. [Dale Thompson, CR, ORPI, 7/30]
Rangers and Border Patrol officers seized just over 300 pounds of marijuana on the morning of July 30th. A 1991 Chevy pickup was seen driving backwards at a slow rate of speed on a gravel road that parallels the border. It was hauling a quad ORV and an ice chest and attempting to blend into northbound weekend traffic returning to the U.S. from Mexico. The truck failed to stop for the Border Patrol officers and turned and fled south at speeds over 90 mph. Rangers and officers used "stop sticks" to deflate three tires. The truck continued south to within 150 yards of the border, at which point the two occupants bailed out and crossed into Mexico. The contraband was turned over to Customs. [Dale Thompson, CR, ORPI, 7/30]
While off-duty and running on a popular visitor trail near the visitor center on August 3rd, a ranger detected the odor of processed marijuana and alerted an on-duty ranger and Border Patrol agents. The on-duty ranger located and seized four backpack bundles of marijuana stashed near the trail. The total weight seized came to 170 pounds. [Karl Pearson, ORPI, 8/9]
On August 10th and 20th, rangers made drug seizures in similar incidents. In each case, rangers attempted to pull over a vehicle for a traffic violation, pursued, and confiscated marijuana after the driver finally stopped, bailed out and fled for the border. One arrest was made and 532 pounds of marijuana were seized. On August 23rd, Pima County deputies asked rangers to help stop a stolen vehicle heading south through the park. Stop sticks were used to deflate one of the car's tires; the driver fled and escaped. A loaded .22 semi-automatic pistol was found on the vehicle's front seat. All these incidents - plus a fire on a boat under tow that required a response by the park's fire brigade - occurred on a 22-mile section of Highway 85 within the park. The highway connects Mexico with the Tucson and Phoenix areas. [Karl Pearson, ORPI, 8/24]
Rangers made two significant drug cases on September 7th and 8th. On September 7th, a ranger found tracks indicating recent trafficking activity in a remote area of the park. Customs agents provided air support from a Blackhawk helicopter while the ranger tracked the group about seven miles to their daytime camp. The smugglers fled the camp, presumably when they heard the helicopter. Seven backpacks with 332 pounds of marijuana were found well-hidden in some brush. Three duffel bags of canned food weighing over a hundred pounds and twelve one-gallon jugs of water were also found at the camp. Evidence indicates that this was a ten-person group - seven packing marijuana and three packing food and water. The camp was about 15 miles north of the border and their destination was another 15 to 20 miles to the north. Daytime temperatures are still holding above 100 degrees, so these groups are moving only at night. Trips take three to four days. No arrests were made. On the 8th, two park maintenance workers found an abandoned 1990 Mercury Sable in the desert in a deep wash a mile west of a highway through the park. The trunk contained 16 bundles of marijuana weighing about 115 pounds. It appears that the driver became nervous, abandoned the vehicle, and fled into the desert. The Sable was undamaged, even though it had gone airborne at several points, but caused significant resource damage was it crossed the desert. It was removed with minimal additional damage. [Jon Young, PR, ORPI, 9/13]
A ranger checking sensor activity in a known drug smuggling area on November 15th found fresh signs of the passage of marijuana "backpackers." The ranger and a Border Patrol agent tracked the group and came upon marijuana bundles in makeshift backpacks concealed in brush and thickets. Tracking efforts continued and led to a group of smugglers laid up in a wash. Two of them were arrested, and seven packs with a total of 424 pounds of marijuana were seized. [Karl Pearson, SPR, ORPI, 11/25]
The park continues to deal with drug smuggling across its roads and lands. The following occurred over the course of last month: o January 2nd - Border Patrol agents asked rangers to deploy road spikes on Highway 85 to stop a vehicle fleeing to Mexico at speeds of over 100 mph. The vehicle hit the spikes and went into the desert; the occupants fled across the border on foot. The vehicle and 400 pounds of marijuana were seized. o January 13th - The Border Patrol again asked rangers to use road spikes to stop a fleeing vehicle, this one traveling at speeds of over 95 mph. The vehicle again went into the desert, and at virtually the same location as the above incident. The occupants fled. Rangers weren't able to catch them, but did find 20 illegal aliens during the pursuit. The vehicle and 414 pounds of marijuana were seized. o January 15th - A ranger provided EMS assistance at an accident about two miles outside of the park. Border Patrol agents had deployed road spikes, causing the car to crash. The driver had received a neck injury from a limb that came through the vehicle window. He was flown by helicopter to a hospital in Tucson, where he was pronounced dead. Agents seized over 1,000 pounds of marijuana from three vehicles which had been traveling together. o January 24th - A park volunteer found 37 pounds of marijuana along Highway 85 while pickup up litter. o January 25th - Rangers and officers from other agencies located a recreational vehicle in the Twin Peaks campground that had loaded bundles during the night at a campsite. The bundles were delivered to backpackers. A felony stop was attempted the following morning, but the RV failed to yield and continued north after pulling off the roadway, then back onto the road. Pima County deputies put road spikes on Highway 85 and stopped it. Six agencies were involved in the take-down. Two arrests were made and 470 pounds of marijuana was seized. A revolver and an electric shock device were found within reach of the driver. o January 26th - A ranger stopped a vehicle heading south down Highway 85 at 80 mph. Both the driver and passenger were illegal aliens. The vehicle's air filter was found on the car's floor board, so the ranger and a county deputy checked the air intake and came up with a bag containing $25,000 in cash. They also found that the occupants had just purchased the vehicle for $6,000 in cash. DEA has assumed jurisdiction in the case. o January 29th - The Border Patrol once again asked rangers to assist them by deploying road spikes to stop a vehicle racing toward the border. The vehicle was clocked at 98 mph plus; it traveled for 300 yards into the desert upon being spiked. The two occupants fled into Mexico on foot. The vehicle and 435 pounds of marijuana were seized. [Dale Thompson, CR, ORPI, 1/29]
The park continues to deal with drug smuggling across its roads and lands. The following occurred over the course of last month or so: o January 21st - Border Patrol officers reported that a truck was traveling into the desert off Highway 85. Rangers followed vehicle tracks for about 500 feet and found the vehicle abandoned. It contained 492 pounds of marijuana, which was turned over to the Border Patrol. o February 9th - A ranger encountered a vehicle being loaded with marijuana on Highway 85. He followed it for four miles north, at which point the driver abandoned the vehicle in the desert and fled on foot. It contained about 330 pounds of marijuana. The contraband was turned over to Customs. o February 20th - An abandoned vehicle was found just south of North Puerto Blanco Drive, about 100 yards into the desert. It contained 368 pounds of marijuana. It's believed that the vehicle was one of three that drove on the Red Tanks trail during the previous night that were using a scout vehicle carrying illegal aliens. When the aliens were apprehended driving in the wrong direction on a one-way road, the driver of the vehicle with the marijuana tried to return to Mexico but missed the trailhead in the dark. The marijuana was turned over to Customs. o February 20th - An Arizona DPS officer asked rangers for assistance with a "spiked" vehicle that was entering the Bates Well area of the park. Rangers blocked the Pozo Nueve Road. The driver left the park and headed into Cabeza Prieta NWR, driving on rough dirt roads with one flat tire at speeds up to 60 mph. A Customs Blackhawk helicopter spotted the vehicle about three miles north of the international border. The abandoned vehicle was loaded with over 400 pounds of marijuana. Five agencies were involved in the pursuit. o February 21st - When a remote sensor went off near the park's visitor center, a ranger went to a nearby hill and checked the area with binoculars. He spotted two backpackers attempting to "load out" on Highway 85. Rangers seized 226 pounds of marijuana. The backpacker fled into the desert. The contraband was turned over to Customs. o February 22nd - A park VIP hiking in the area near Dripping Springs came upon a group of drug backpackers resting in a wash. Because of the location and travel time, rangers didn't receive the report for three-and-a-half hours. Efforts to find the backpackers proved fruitless. o February 23rd - Customs agents at Lukeville asked rangers to help in a search incident to the arrest of a woman crossing the border. Rangers helped with the removal of 91 pounds of marijuana from the gas tank of a Ford F-150 pickup. o February 23rd - Rangers tracked a group of suspected backpackers through the park's backcountry and discovered marijuana bundles stashed in the brush. They tracked the group to a camp 500 years west of the bundles. Backup and a helicopter were requested. Nine Mexican nationals were arrested; rangers and officers seized a cell phone, two-way radio, binoculars, and eight bundles of marijuana weighing 478 pounds. Customs handled the case. The assistant U.S. attorney turned down the case because none of the individuals confessed. They were released back to Mexico. o February 23rd - A vehicle came through the visitor center parking lot at a high rate of speed at 6:30 p.m. A Border Patrol vehicle followed, but not in pursuit. The vehicle turned on North Puerto Blanco Drive and was found about 15 miles west in the desert. Tire tracks matching those on the vehicle were found at the exit of the Red Tanks trailhead. Rangers seized 433 pounds of marijuana and turned it over to the Border Patrol. o February 24th - A camper stopped at the visitor center to pay a fee at 8:30 a.m. A ranger saw that their old RV was heavily loaded and stopped it four miles north on Highway 85. It contained 42 undocumented aliens. [Dale Thompson, CR, ORPI, 2/28]
The park continues to deal with drug smuggling across its roads and lands. The following occurred during March: o March 8th - Rangers stopped a jeep containing eleven undocumented aliens on the Victoria Mine trail. Border Patrol agents were unable to respond. The Mexican nationals were released and directed to walk back to Mexico; the vehicle was impounded. o March 11th - Rangers saw a Ford Bronco exiting the desert near milepost 78 on Highway 85. They attempted to pull it over, but the driver declined to stop and fled south at a speed of about 80 mph. The Bronco cleared a ditch on south Puerto Blanco Drive, but became stuck in the same ditch when the driver turned around and headed back north. The vehicle contained ten undocumented aliens. The driver was cited for driving violations; the Border Patrol is pursuing felony charges against him. o March 11th - Four vehicles were seen in the desert west of Highway 85 near milepost 78. Rangers spiked the first of the four and found contraband within it. The occupants fled on foot to Mexico. The second vehicle stopped in a wash, its occupants also exiting and fleeing to Mexico. The remaining two vehicles turned around and fled back to Mexico at a high rate of speed. Rangers seized over 830 pounds of marijuana, a Chevy Tahoe, and an Isuzu Trooper and turned them over to the Border Patrol. o March 22nd - A Ford Taurus was seen driving from the desert onto Highway 85 near milepost 80. The information was passed on to Border Patrol agents, who later stopped the vehicle and seized 185 pounds of marijuana. o March 24th - Rangers saw two vehicles in the desert between the campground and the border with Mexico. One was stopped; the other failed to stop and was spiked after a high speed chase through the park. Thirteen undocumented aliens were apprehended and turned over to the Border Patrol. o March 26th - The Border Patrol set up a checkpoint just north of the park. Rangers reported that as many as 70 vehicles turned around just short of the checkpoint and returned to Mexico. This operation also caused a dramatic reduction in the number of vehicles being driving in the park's wilderness areas. Foot traffic through the park increased, though, in an effort to circumvent the checkpoint. o March 27th - A ranger found 25 pounds of marijuana hidden in the brush near milepost 72 on Highway 85. The marijuana and packaging were subsequently used as a training aid for a special operations course, then turned over to Customs for disposal. [Dale Thompson, CR, ORPI, 4/2 and 4/7]
The park continues to deal with the smuggling of drugs and undocumented aliens across its roads and lands. The following occurred during April: o April 8th - 17th - An eleven-day interdiction operation was conducted using a special events team squad and detailed rangers. From six to nine rangers worked 12-hour shifts. They seized 325 pounds of marijuana in one incident, but the backpackers carrying it fled back into Mexico. The rangers also counted over 1,000 undocumented aliens traveling on two of the many illegal trails through the park. All were reported to the Border Patrol. A good deal of intelligence was gathered on recent smuggling patterns. o April 11th - Border Patrol agents notified rangers that they'd stopped an unlicensed driver with no insurance. The driver was cited. He was shuttling undocumented aliens from the border to a spot just south of the new Border Patrol checkpoint on Highway 85. The driver was turned over to the Border Patrol, and the rental vehicle was impounded. o April 14th - Rangers saw a heavily-loaded van leave the visitor center parking lot. When they followed, the driver pulled off the roadway and left it there with its motor running. Seven undocumented aliens also exited and fled into the desert. The van was impounded. o April 17th - Two rangers parked on Pozo Nuevo Road and got out of their cruiser to look at a snake. An unidentified van that was thought to be involved in smuggling approached at a high rate of speed. Upon seeing the cruiser, the van accelerated, then struck and broke the patrol vehicle's open side door off its hinges. The van nearly overturned, but the driver was able to keep it going and made it to Mexico. Neither of the rangers was hurt. o April 24th - A park ranger and a Fish and Wildlife Service agent tracked down a group of seven undocumented aliens who were resting in a wash. After detaining four of them for the Border Patrol, the agent became dehydrated (the temperature was near 100 degrees) and needed medical assistance. He was flown out to a hospital by a DPS helicopter and recovered. o April 29th - Border Patrol agents notified rangers that four vehicles were being driven through the desert and that they were going to attempt to stop them. Three fled back toward Mexico at a high rate of speed. Rangers attempted to road spike the tires on one of the vehicles, but the driver successfully avoided them. Two of the three vehicles made it to Mexico, but one got stuck in a ditch. The two occupants fled across the border. The vehicle contained about 350 pounds of marijuana. The fourth vehicle probably continued north on a new road made through the park by smugglers to circumvent the Border Patrol checkpoint on Highway 85. [Dale Thompson, CR, ORPI, 4/27]
A hiker found the body of an illegal immigrant just north of the two-way junction on Ajo Mountain Drive on the evening of June 2nd. Although the cause of death is unknown, exposure appears to be likely. A Mexican voter identification card on his person provide tentative identification as 35-year-old B.A.-Z. of Morales, Mexico. The case was turned over to Pima County Sheriffs Office. The Border Patrol assisted at the scene. [Dale Thompson, CR, ORPI, 6/4]
The following incidents occurred in May (plus one in June) at Organ Pipe. Lukeville port of entry (POE) is on Customs land between the border and the park. Vehicles leaving the POE immediately enter the park and travel through it for 23 miles before exiting on the north side. Incidents occurring there are therefore typically park-related: o May 1st - A Customs search dog alerted on a vehicle at the Lukeville POE and officers found almost $310,000 hidden in its spare tire. The driver denied any knowledge of the money, which was seized by Customs. o May 3rd - Border Patrol agents found fresh tracks of a possible group of undocumented aliens near Ajo. They employed night vision goggles to track the group, but a member of the group spotted the agents and all of them fled and evaded arrest. Agents searched the area and recovered 610 pounds of marijuana in nine bundles. o May 5th - Customs seized 12.55 pounds of cocaine and 23.78 pounds of methamphetamine at Lukeville. o May 7th - Customs seized 688 pounds of marijuana at the POE. o May 13th - Customs seized over 767 pounds of marijuana in two cases at the POE. o May 14th - Border Patrol agents spotted three vehicles traveling through the desert within the park. Two of them were stopped, but the occupants were able to escape. Agents found and seized 52 bundles containing 904 pounds of marijuana. The third vehicle was able to evade officers. o May 18th - Border Patrol agents found a bundle with 59 pounds of marijuana near "The Tailings" east of Ajo. No arrests were made. o May 22nd - Customs seized 23.23 pounds of cocaine at Lukeville. o May 23rd - Customs seized 77 pounds of cocaine at the POE. Rangers assisted with security as it was moved to an NPS helispot and transferred to a Customs helicopter. o May 27th - Customs seized 95 pounds of marijuana at Lukeville. o May 30th - Border Patrol helicopter pilots saw what appeared to be several bundles of marijuana hidden in a wash south of Gunsight. Seven bundles containing 314 pounds of marijuana were found and seized. o June 4th - Border Patrol agents advised the park that two vehicles that were driving in the desert at milepost 58 on Highway 85 had failed to yield and were returning to Mexico at a high rate of speed. A ranger deployed stop sticks at mile post 76. Two tires on the first vehicle were deflated; the driver lost control of his vehicle, which traveled 500 feet down the left right-of-way, crossed the highway and continued for another 250 feet before rolling twice. Blood was found in the vehicle, but both occupants were able to flee back to Mexico. Rangers found 561 pounds of marijuana and turned it over to the Border Patrol. The second vehicle made it back to Mexico via a park road and an illegal drive-through. [Karl Pearson, ORPI, 6/16]
Rangers made several significant drug cases in the park at the end of July and earlier this month: o July 31st - The Border Patrol notified rangers that several vehicles had driven around their checkpoint on Highway 85 and were returning to Mexico through the park at speeds up to 110 mph. Two of them were stopped north of the park; agents attempted to road spike the third, but it kept on going. Rangers were also unsuccessful in spiking the vehicle, which made it back to Mexico. Two more vehicles were spiked near park headquarters. Both drove into the desert on flat tires and the drivers and passengers fled into the desert. A ranger caught one of them after a one-mile footrace. The sixth vehicle disappeared. A total of 1,835 pounds of marijuana and the three people who were arrested were turned over to the Pima County Sheriff's Office. Rangers seized another 793 pounds of marijuana in the incident. o August 4th - During a nighttime interagency drug operation, rangers and Fish and Wildlife Service agents seized 313 pounds of marijuana on a smuggling route in a remote area of the park. Five Mexican backpackers fled the area, but were later apprehended with help from a Customs helicopter. The drugs and individuals were turned over to Customs. o August 5th - Eleven bundles with 659 pounds of marijuana were seized during an interagency operation that involved rangers and FWS agents. A group of Mexican backpackers was tracked through the park for six hours on a known smuggling trail. The marijuana was turned over to Customs for processing. [Dale Thompson, CR, ORPI, 8/8]
Further updates have been received on the status of NPS areas and/or staff responses to Tuesday's terrorist attacks: o Organ Pipe Cactus NM (AZ) - The visitor center is closed. Other closures and operations are essentially as noted yesterday. [Russ Wilson, GATE/SHU, 9/12; Clayton Jordan, IC, Type 3 IMT, SHEN, 9/13; Karl Merchant, Plans, Type 2 IMT, NERO, 9/13]
After six weeks of minimal activity, drug smuggling has resumed in the park: o November 4th - Two vehicles that rangers spotted driving in the desert failed to stop and returned to Mexico at speeds approaching 100 mph. No attempts were made to spike the tires due to the large volume of traffic on Highway 85. The vehicles went around a locked gate, over a ditch, and hit and removed a 40-foot tall saguaro cactus. o November 5th - Rangers pursued three vehicles found driving in the desert. One, a Chevy Suburban, was able to elude rangers. A second Suburban was spiked and stopped; 678 pounds of marijuana were found and seized. The Suburban had traveled across two-and-a-half miles of desert, running over 47 bushes, several palo verde trees, two ocotillo cacti, and two barrel cacti. The third vehicle was spiked by Custom agents near the border, but returned to Mexico around the gate on Camino de Dos Republicas. Speeds were recorded at 110 mph and the pursuit was recorded on videotape. o November 6th - Two more vehicles were spotted driving in the desert by rangers. One drove into the desert at the north end of the park and became stuck. Border Patrol agents seized 335 pounds of marijuana from it and captured two suspects in the vicinity. The other vehicle traveled 15 miles south at speeds of 95 mph and drove into the desert to avoid road spikes, but was stopped nonetheless. Officers seized 330 pounds of marijuana. About 400 feet of desert vegetation was heavily damaged. [Dale Thompson, CR, ORPI, 11/9]
During a counter-narcotics flight, rangers spotted a body in a remote area of the park. Rangers and Pima County deputies investigated and found the body to be that of a 35-year-old undocumented Mexican male. His shoes were wrapped in carpet, which usually is done by narcotics backpackers to conceal their shoe prints. This area is frequently used by narcotics traffickers, but no contraband was found. It's estimated that the body had been there for about two weeks. The cause of death is believed to have been exposure, but the case was referred to the medical examiner's office for a final determination. [CRO, ORPI, 11/27]
Over the course of several days earlier this month, the park participated in a multi-agency counter-narcotics operation that led to six arrests, the seizure of almost 900 pounds of marijuana, and the apprehension more than 20 illegal aliens. During one incident, a ranger acting as an observer on an Arizona National Guard flight helped a Border Patrol agent seize over 400 pounds of narcotics. In another incident, three rangers tracked a group of suspected narcotics smugglers for more than twelve miles, then called in assistance from personnel on Customs and National Guard helicopters. Six smugglers were arrested; 479 pounds of marijuana were seized. [CRO, ORPI, 12/5]
During an interagency drug operation on the night of December 15th, a ranger found drug backpacker footprints leading north onto BLM lands. Another ranger with night vision equipment on board a helicopter spotted about ten backpackers three miles to his north. Three of them were captured and arrested two hours later with assistance from the Border Patrol and Customs. Two more were arrested six hours later. Rangers and officers seized 388 pounds of marijuana, bringing the total amount seized by rangers this year to 13,127 pounds - a 27 percent increase in seizure amounts from the previous twelve-month period, a 77 percent increase from the 1999 total, and a 243 percent increase over the 1998 total. [Dale Thompson, CR, ORPI, 12/19]
Park fire brigade members responded to a multi-vehicle conflagration on the Mexican side of the international border around 5:30 a.m. on January 31st. Six trucks and a bus were burning in a Mexican customs impound yard about 50 feet from the U.S. Customs housing area. The "junk yard" contains hundreds of vehicles and trucks, stacked up to five cars high. Local fire departments from Mexico and Arizona also responded. There was no information available to firefighters on what hazardous materials might be present, but it was believed that paint and some propane were present. Several small explosions took place; as a precaution, campers and residents near the border were therefore evacuated. Nearby structures were protected, and the fire was contained by mid-morning. One hose lay was extended from the U.S. through the fence into Mexico to provide water for Mexican bomberros (firefighters). [Dale Thompson, CR, ORPI, 2/4]
On the morning of February 2nd, supervisory ranger Karl Pearson detected "carpet tracks" (smugglers sometimes wear carpet scraps on their feet to cover their tracks) entering the U.S. along the park's boundary with Mexico. A dozen backpackers were tracked for several hours into the desert. Backup was summoned, and another ranger headed for Pearson's location, using GPS to find him. Just before the ranger arrived, Pearson encountered the smugglers. One was arrested, and the others fled into Mexico. After searching a large area of desert, the rangers found their camp in a wash. They confiscated 422 pounds of marijuana and about 100 pounds of food. A Customs helicopter was used to removed the suspect and the evidence. Customs is handling the case. [Dale Thompson, CR, ORPI, 2/5]
During the period from February 14th through March 12th, rangers were involved in six drug seizure cases and pursuit of two loaded vehicles that returned to Mexico at high speeds, avoiding road spikes along the way. A total of a ton and a quarter of marijuana was seized. One load was found by rangers in the walls of a trailer; another load was found inside a pair of Seadoos that were being towed back from Rocky Point, Mexico. Drug runners have established twelve miles of active new roads in the park's wilderness over the past 30 days. [Dale Thompson, CR, ORPI, 3/14]
Since mid-March, rangers have made three seizures in the park, confiscating a total of more than a half ton of marijuana (1,215 pounds). Two of the seizures stemmed from vehicle stops, the third from interdiction of backpackers. A total of eleven arrests were made. One of the vehicles seized had escaped rangers a week earlier by avoiding three attempts to spike its tires. The driver had changed the rear license plate from California to Arizona on this trip, but forgot to remove the California tag from the front of the SUV. That tag had come back as stolen during the first attempt to stop him. The driver fled after rangers spiked the vehicle, but was found hiding in a wash about a mile away by a Border Patrol agent. A Customs Blackhawk helicopter assisted in the search and arrest. The cases are being handled by customs. So far this year, rangers have made eleven seizures, bagging just over two tons of marijuana. [Dale Thompson, CR, ORPI, 4/4]
During the month of April, rangers seized three-quarters of a ton of marijuana in five seizures and arrested the eleven Mexican nationals who were backpacking it through the park's wilderness area. Three drivers and one passenger were also arrested. A .380 semi-automatic pistol was taken from a boot that one of the drivers was wearing. The marijuana was found hidden in the walls of a utility trailer, in a pop-up camper, and in a motor home. All three vehicles had driven through the fence on the international border and were attempting to blend with weekend traffic returning from Rocky Point, Mexico. A total of 5,598.4 pound of marijuana have been seized in 16 drug cases so far this year. [Dale Thompson, CR, ORPI, 4/30]
Over the course of the month of May, rangers arrested 27 people in nine drug cases, seizing over 3,500 pounds of marijuana. Twenty-two Mexican nationals are facing prosecution for backpacking narcotics through the park; three U.S. citizens are facing charges for transporting narcotics in false compartments of pickup truck beds. So far this year, rangers have been involved in 23 drug cases, arrested 59 people, and seized just under four-and-a-half tons of contraband. [Dale Thompson, CR, ORPI, 6/1]
The park's entire protection staff (four rangers) joined Border Patrol and Customs agents on an all-night border watch of the 31 miles of international border within the park on June 6th. The operation was launched as a result of intelligence received by Customs that a truckload of cyanide that had been hijacked in Mexico several days previously was going to enter the United States through the park. Two southbound vehicles crossed the border, but no northbound truck was encountered. The cyanide was later found in the state of Puebla and recovered ( for details, see http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&u=/ap/20020531/ap_wo_en_ge/mexico_cyanide_10.[Dale Thompson, CR, ORPI, 6/12]
On the evening of June 9th, a Hispanic male employed a park barricade to stop three older woman who were traveling north in a mini-van about a mile north of the border on Highway 85. The barricade was being used to close a nearby park road for safety reasons. The man was wearing dark clothing and looked like a Border Patrol agent. He placed the barricade in the highway to stop the van and had a revolver in one hand and a rock in the other. He ordered the women out of the van, but the driver instead drove around the barricade. As they were going around the barricade, the occupants of the van heard a loud noise that they described as a gun shot and saw both rear windows break and glass enter the vehicle. Two park resource management employees who were heading south on the highway witnessed the event. The man fled into the desert and has not been found. [Dale Thompson, CR, ORPI, 6/12]
On June 14th, a ranger stopped a van on Highway 85 that he suspected of having illegally entered the United States from Mexico. During the course of the subsequent investigation, he found a concealed compartment in the floor of the van which contained just over 613 pounds of marijuana. Driver C.G.G., 20, and passenger L.M.L., 24, were arrested. They admitted to picking up the van in Sonoyta, Sonora, Mexico, and to having been paid to drive it to Phoenix. They also admitted to having driven the van into the country illegally by passing through in the park. C.G.G. was five-and-a-half months pregnant. L.M.L. had a methamphetamine pipe in her possession and admitted to smoking the drug. [Jon Young, PR, ORPI, 6/22]
A ranger on an interdiction overflight on June 20th spotted suspicious looking items stashed under brush in a remote area of the park. Investigation led to the discovery of eight backpacks containing 20 bundles of marijuana weighting 357 pounds. Evidence at the site indicated that the smugglers had been there recently and most likely fled as the helicopter was approaching. A BLM ranger provided assistance in removing and transporting the marijuana from the area. [Jon Young, PR, ORPI, 6/22]
A ranger found evidence of drug smuggling into the U.S. on July 6th and tracked a group of backpackers to a wash where they were resting. Customs officers arrived on foot, having hiked in several miles, and provided assistance. Six of the smugglers were apprehended and 192 pounds of marijuana were seized. On July 24th, two rangers discovered evidence that drug smugglers had backpacked another load of marijuana into the park. They tracked the smugglers to a wash, where they found five backpacks containing 210 pounds of marijuana hidden beneath a creosote bush. One of the smugglers was apprehended with the help of a Customs helicopter. [CRO, ORPI]
Ranger Kris Eggle, 27, was fatally wounded along the United States border with Mexico within the park yesterday afternoon. Mexican police called the U.S. Border Patrol around 2 p.m. to report that a gray SUV occupied by two armed suspects had fled across the border from Mexico into the United States at a location approximately three miles east of the Port of Lukeville. Officers in a Border Patrol helicopter in the area saw two people abandon the SUV within sight of the border and run into nearby vegetation. The officers in the helicopter directed Eggle and three Border Patrol agents on the ground to the two men. One of them, a Mexican national, was arrested. As the second man was approached in a wash area, Eggle was ambushed, shot and fatally wounded. Officers at the scene returned fire and the second man, also a Mexican national, was fatally wounded. It is unclear at this time whether Mexican or U.S. officers shot the suspect. Organ Pipe rangers Jon Young and Bo Stone provided life support for the suspect and Eggle until an ambulance from Ajo, Arizona, arrived and began transport. A life flight helicopter was dispatched from Tucson, but Eggle was pronounced dead when it arrived. Investigations are underway by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, National Park Service, and Pima County Sheriff's Department. Eggle had several years of experience working for the National Park Service and was a recent recipient of the Director's Award at FLETC. Kris was an outstanding person and ranger and his murder represents an incredible loss to his family, many friends and the Service. Additional information will be provided through InsideNPS and the Morning Report as it becomes available, including memorial service information. [Bill Wellman, Superintendent/Dale Thompson, Chief Ranger, ORPI]
Ranger Kris Eggle, 27, was fatally wounded along the United States border with Mexico within the park on Friday. Please see the edition of the Morning Report released earlier today for the original report. Memorial services for Kris have been set for 1 p.m. on Monday, August 12th, at the Baptist Church in Ajo, Arizona. Rangers and other NPS employees are encouraged to attend. The dress will be Class A summer uniform, with mourning bands on badges. Protection rangers should wear defensive equipment. For those outside of driving range, the best way to get to Ajo is to fly to Phoenix and book a hotel room there, then drive the two hours to Ajo. A separate family memorial service will be held in Michigan within the next several days. For more information, contact Intermountain Region regional chief ranger Randy King at 303-969- 2641. [Rick Frost, IMRO]
A memorial service for ranger Kris Eggle, 27, who was fatally wounded along the United States border with Mexico within the park on Friday, will be held at 1 p.m. on Monday, August 12th, at the Ajo Calvary Baptist Church in Ajo, Arizona. The service will be preceded by a procession with full law enforcement escort along the ten mile route from the town of Why to the town of Ajo. A ranger honor guard will accompany the casket, which will be draped with an American flag with a ranger stetson above it. The flag and hat will be presented to Kris' parents at the end of the ceremony. Interment will take place in Michigan later this week. The dress for the service will be Class A summer uniform, with mourning bands on badges. Protection rangers should wear defensive equipment. As of Sunday evening, ceremony organizers were expecting several hundred National Park Service employees at the service. Kris will be remembered by all who knew him for his outlook, his professionalism, and his outstanding abilities. He was born on a family farm in Cadillac, Michigan, and graduated as valedictorian from the high school there in 1991. Kris was also an Eagle scout and a member of the National Honor Society. After graduation from the University of Michigan, he served as an SCA at Great Smokey Mountains NP, where he tracked wild boars and bears. He then became a park ranger and worked at Sleeping Bear Dunes NL and Canyonlands NP before moving to Organ Pipe Cactus two years ago. Kris graduated from FLETC this year, where he was first in his class and recipient of the Director's Award. Donations can be made in lieu of flowers to the Ajo Calvary Baptist Church Youth Program, c/o Calvary Baptist Church, 740 West Rocalla Avenue, Ajo, AZ 85321. Condolences should be sent to his parents. A web site with information on Kris and services for him will be set up some time on Monday. The web address will be posted in the Morning Report and in InsideNPS. [Rick Jones, PIO, IMT, ORPI]
A memorial service for ranger Kris Eggle, 27, who was fatally wounded along the United States border with Mexico within the park on Friday, will be held at 1 p.m. today at the Ajo Calvary Baptist Church in Ajo, Arizona. The service will be preceded by a procession with full law enforcement escort along the ten mile route from the town of Why to the town of Ajo. A ranger honor guard will accompany the casket, which will be draped with an American flag with a ranger stetson above it. The flag and hat will be presented to Kris' parents at the end of the ceremony. Interment will take place in Michigan later this week. The dress for the service will be Class A summer uniform, with mourning bands on badges. Protection rangers should wear defensive equipment. As of yesterday evening, ceremony organizers were expecting several hundred National Park Service employees at the service. Kris will be remembered by all who knew him for his outlook, his professionalism, and his outstanding abilities. He was born on a family farm in Cadillac, Michigan, and graduated as valedictorian from the high school there in 1991. Kris was also an Eagle scout and a member of the National Honor Society. After graduation from the University of Michigan, he served as an SCA at Great Smokey Mountains NP, where he tracked wild boars and bears. He then became a park ranger and worked at Sleeping Bear Dunes NL and Canyonlands NP before moving to Organ Pipe Cactus two years ago. Kris graduated from FLETC this year, where he was first in his class and recipient of the Director's Award. Donations can be made in lieu of flowers to the Ajo Calvary Baptist Church Youth Program, c/o Calvary Baptist Church, 740 West Rocalla Avenue, Ajo, AZ 85321. Condolences should be sent to his parents. A web site with information on Kris and services for him will be set up some time on Monday. The web address will be posted in the Morning Report and in InsideNPS. [Rick Jones, PIO, IMT, ORPI]
The Intermountain Region has established an internal web site to commemorate Kris Eggle. You can offer your thoughts and condolences on this web site and view the thoughts of others about Kris. The content of the web site will be given to Kris' parents after people have had a chance to contribute to it. The address: http://im.den.nps.gov.commemorate.cfm. [Rick Frost, PIO, IMRO]
The memorial service for Kris Eggle took place in Ajo, Arizona, on Monday afternoon. It began with a procession in which about 150 marked law enforcement vehicles from the NPS, Border Patrol, Customs, Arizona DPS and Pima County Sheriff's Office accompanied the hearse from the town of Why to the town of Ajo. About 700 friends, family and colleagues from the NPS and other agencies attended the service; approximately two-thirds were from the National Park Service. The United States Park Police provided an honor guard. Among those attending were the director and regional director, who were with the family. Many friends and co-workers spoke during the very moving two-hour service. Recordings of the service were made, and transcripts will likely be available in the near future. Digital photos were also taken and will be posted on a web site as soon as possible. The incident management team that handled the memorial service is now heading to Michigan to help the family with the funeral, which will be at the high school in Cadillac, Michigan, at 1 p.m. on Saturday. Denny Ziemann is the IC for the joint Intermountain-Midwest Region team, taking over for Sherrie Collins, who oversaw operations in Ajo. The funeral will be open to the public. NPS employees who chose to attend should wear Class A summer uniforms. Particulars on the funeral, including contact numbers and directions, should be available by Thursday morning. Intermountain Region has established an internal web site to commemorate Kris Eggle. You can offer your thoughts and condolences on this web site and view the thoughts of others about Kris. The content of the web site will be given to Kris' parents after people have had a chance to contribute to it. The address for given in yesterday's Morning Report was incorrect. The correct web site address is: http://im.den.nps.gov/commemorate.cfm. [Rick Jones, PIO, IMT; Linda Griffin, IO, IMRO]
Arrangements are nearly complete for the funeral for Kris Eggle, which will be held in Cadillac, Michigan. A public viewing will be held at Peterson Funeral Home (205 East Cass Street, Cadillac, MI 49601; 231-775-3411) from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. and from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Friday. The funeral will be on Saturday at 1 p.m. at Cadillac High School at the corner of Linden and West Haynes Streets. Following the funeral, there will be a procession to Maple Hill Cemetery which will include law enforcement vehicles from the NPS and other agencies. The incident management team coordinating the funeral activities has asked that as many attending NPS employees as possible come in marked vehicles (i.e., if more than one of you is coming, please bring individual vehicles in order to increase the NPS presence). The interment will be open to the public. NPS employees who choose to attend should wear Class A summer uniforms. A phone number for further information is not yet available, but will be provided ASAP. Intermountain Region has established an internal web site to commemorate Kris Eggle. You can offer your thoughts and condolences on this web site and view the thoughts of others about Kris. The content of the web site will be given to Kris' parents after people have had a chance to contribute to it. The web site address is: http://im.den.nps.gov/commemorate.cfm. [Rick Jones, PIO, IMT; Linda Griffin, IO, IMRO] Memorandum: "Death of Park Ranger Kris Eggle & U.S. Park Police Office Hakim Farthing," signed by Director Mainella and sent to all National Park Service and United States Park Police employees: "The recent deaths of two of our finest has been a devastating tragedy, first and foremost, for the family and friends of Ranger Eggle and Officer Farthing. It has also been an immense loss for the National Park Service and U.S. Park Police families. We share in the grief and outrage at the senseless deaths of such fine men. I have sent a personal message to the families of each man to express my deepest sympathy on behalf of the National Park Service. "Park Ranger Eggle was killed on the afternoon of August 9th as he assisted Mexican police and U.S. Border Patrol officers in a search for two armed suspects along the United States border with Mexico. U.S. Park Police Officer Farthing was struck and killed by a vehicle in the early morning hours of August 10th while maintaining a road closure on the Baltimore Washington Parkway as a result of a previous fatal motor vehicle accident that occurred on Route 50. "Kris exemplified all that a park ranger should be, his colleagues all agree that he was an exceptional ranger. He has been described as extremely professional, possessing outstanding abilities as a ranger and a having a very positive outlook. He graduated first in his class in FLETC and received the Director's Award. Hakim has been remembered by his fellow officers as a rising star. He had a reputation for dedication, self-discipline and attention to detail. A highly skilled officer, I am told he never complained about anything and had a wonderful sense of humor; his laughter was infectious to his colleagues. He was respected by all for his ability to effectively interact and communicate with everyone. He had been an officer with the United States Park Police for the past two years and served as a soldier in the United States Army's "Old Guard" at Arlington National Cemetery and guarded the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. Both men made the ultimate sacrifice and they will be missed by family and friends and by all of us. "Randy Jones, Deputy Director, Karen Wade, Regional Director and I joined hundreds of other NPS employees and friends in attending a memorial service for Kris on Monday, August 12th at the Ajo Cavalry Baptist Church in Ajo, Arizona. A separate family memorial service and interment will take place in Michigan within the next few days. Condolences can be sent to his parents. "A memorial service for Officer Farthing has been planned for Friday, August 16th at 10:00 a.m., at Immanuel Bible Church in Springfield, VA. The service will be followed by a police procession from the church through Washington, D.C. and back to the church. The procession will pass east along Constitution Avenue near the Interior Department building. I encourage all of you to take the time to pay respect to Officer Farthing and view the police procession. On Saturday, August 17th, a funeral procession of police officers, colleagues and friends will escort Hakim's body to Philadelphia, PA for a memorial service at White Rock Baptist Church and interment at Ivy Hill Cemetery. Many Washington NPS employees and I will be attending the service on Friday. Condolences can be sent to his parents. "I hope each of you will join me in offering your thoughts and prayers at this most difficult time to the family, friends, and colleagues of Park Ranger Kris Eggle and United Sates Park Police Office Hakim Farthing. They deserve our utmost respect and gratitude, as they were truly two of the best to wear a badge and uniform with such great pride, extraordinary dedication and boundless commitment." ***** Letter from Ernesto Enkerlin Hoeflich, President, National Commission of Protected Natural Areas, Secretariat of the Environment and Natural Resources, Mexico, to Director Mainella and the National Park Service community: "On behalf of all the personnel of the National Commission of Protected Natural Areas, I wish to express our great sadness over the highly regrettable death of Park Ranger Kris Eggle, which occurred while he was fulfilling his duty at Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument August 9. "I would also like to request that you please extend our condolences to Ranger Eggle's family, and to the Superintendent of Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument, Bill Wellman, for this irreparable loss of someone who dedicated himself to safeguarding the natural heritage of a protected area, the task to which all of us are committed."
Arrangements are nearly complete for the funeral for Kris Eggle, which will be held in Cadillac, Michigan. A public viewing will be held at Peterson Funeral Home (205 East Cass Street, Cadillac, MI 49601; 231-775-3411) from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. and from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. today. The funeral will be on Saturday at 1 p.m. at Cadillac High School at the corner of Linden and West Haynes Streets. Following the funeral, there will be a procession to Maple Hill Cemetery which will include law enforcement vehicles from the NPS and other agencies. The incident management team coordinating the funeral activities has asked that as many attending NPS employees as possible come in marked vehicles (i.e., if more than one of you is coming, please bring individual vehicles in order to increase the NPS presence). The interment will be open to the public. NPS employees who choose to attend should wear Class A summer uniforms. For further information on funeral arrangements, please call the incident command post at 231-633-6350. Intermountain Region has established an internal web site to commemorate Kris Eggle. You can offer your thoughts and condolences on this web site and view the thoughts of others about Kris. The content of the web site will be given to Kris' parents after people have had a chance to contribute to it. The web site address is: http://im.den.nps.gov/commemorate.cfm. [Rick Jones, PIO, IMT; Linda Griffin, IO, IMRO]
On August 3rd, rangers discovered evidence that narcotics backpackers had entered the U.S. on foot in a remote area of the park. Two rangers tracked the backpackers approximately seven miles before the group split into two sections. Rangers tracked part of the group for another two miles and arrested four suspected scouts with the assistance of Arizona National Guard and U.S. Customs helicopters. The next morning, rangers resumed tracking the other part of the group. With assistance again provided by the Arizona National Guard helicopter, they were able to apprehend three backpackers and seize their two-way radio and the contraband they were carrying - about 493 pounds of marijuana. The case and evidence were transferred to Customs. [Kris Eggle, Park Ranger, ORPI]
During the month of July, rangers were involved in a number of drug smuggling incidents: * Saturday, July 6th - Rangers and Customs offers seized 192 pounds of marijuana in the park's backcountry. Six backpackers were arrested. * Sunday, July 7th - Rangers stopped a vehicle at the Border Patrol checkpoint on the park's north boundary for registration violations. There was reason to believe that it also contained contraband; after obtaining consent to search it, rangers found two parrots hidden in tennis shores that had been smuggled through the port of entry. The case was turned over to the Fish and Wildlife Service for investigation of Lacey Act violations. * Saturday, July 13th - During a traffic stop for equipment violations, rangers found and seized 39 pounds of marijuana hidden in a vehicle's gas tank. Customs officers and a canine unit assisted. * Wednesday, July 24th - Rangers seized five backpacks with 210 pounds of marijuana and arrested one man on BLM land after the smuggler and his group had passed through the park's backcountry. Customs and Border Patrol assisted. * Sunday, July 28th - Rangers seized 11 backpacks containing 530 pounds of marijuana and arrested seven men on the Tohono O'odom Reservation after they'd crossed through the park's backcountry. Three other agencies assisted. Two of those arrested had prior histories of smuggling and had served prison time. These seizures bring the total amount of marijuana confiscated this year to 11,246 pounds. Rangers had arrested 75 smugglers through the end of July. The Border Patrol also stopped and detained 50 undocumented aliens during July. In one case, a pickup truck was stopped by rangers. The driver and passenger bailed out with the vehicle still running and in gear. Ranger Bo Stone jumped in from the passenger side and stopped the vehicle as it was encountering oncoming traffic. There were seven adults and a small child in the bed of the truck. [Dale Thompson, CR, ORPI]
On Sunday, September 1st, a 21-year-old woman returning home to Phoenix from Puerto Penasco in Mexico began experiencing labor pains as she was entering the park at Lukeville. Rangers Julie Horne and Lance Mattson, who were on a homeland security detail to the park, responded and provided assistance. Before an ambulance could arrive, the woman's water broke; within a few minutes, a healthy new baby girl was born. This was the first birth to occur at the Lukeville port of entry. Both mother and daughter are reportedly doing fine. [Bo Stone, PR, ORPI]
On August 9, Mexican nationals car-jacked a GMC Jimmy SUV at Puerto Penasco, Mexico. The vehicle belonged to an American citizen from Phoenix, Arizona, who was vacationing there. The stolen vehicle was driven to the border town of Sonoyta, Mexico, where a confrontation occurred between the car-jackers and the Sonoyta Municipal Police that involved an exchange of gunfire. Two of the suspects were pursued by Mexican authorities to the port of entry at Lukeville, Arizona. The suspects then turned east along the Mexican border road for approximately three miles, then drove north into the United States through an opening in the barbed wire fence that marks the international boundary. One Mexican police vehicle followed the GMC a short distance across the border. Another exchange of gunfire took place, which resulted in the Mexican police returning south across the border. The GMC then continued north cross-country through the desert within the park. Around 1 p.m., Mexican authorities notified the American port director that two armed men in a silver GMC had crossed into the United States. The port director in turn notified both the Border Patrol and the National Park Service. A Border Patrol helicopter that was working in the area located the suspect vehicle and directed responding units to its location. After trying to evade the pursuing Border Patrol units, the GMC became stuck in a ravine. The two Mexican citizens then ran from the vehicle. One, D.R.L., ran northwest from the pursuing Border Patrol and was eventually captured with the assistance of the Border Patrol helicopter; the other, P.M.A., ran southwest and into a heavily vegetated wash that ran north-south. The helicopter pilot eventually spotted P.M.A. hiding under a palo verde tree in the wash and directed officers to that location. Ranger Kris Eggle approached to within approximately fifty feet of the tree with his shotgun at point ready. P.M.A. fired three shots at him from an AK-47. One round hit the radio on Eggle's left hip and entered his abdomen under his body armor, wounding him fatally. P.M.A. then ran southeast across open desert to a point approximately fifty yards from the border, where approximately 30 to 50 Mexican officers from numerous agencies opened fire from Mexico and shot him. P.M.A. died from his wounds. On September 4, D.R.L. was indicted by a federal grand jury on three counts - an illegal alien in possession of ammunition, an illegal alien in possession of a firearm, and international transport of a stolen vehicle. Superceding charges on other counts are expected in the future. The FBI and National Park Service special agents are jointly investigating. [Submitted by Dan Wirth and Susan Morton, Special Agents, NPS]
On September 14, rangers tracked a number of Mexican narcotics smugglers into the park. Two were found and detained. Upon discovering numerous stashed marijuana bundles, the rangers contacted Customs for air support. No other apprehensions were made. Rangers seized 356 pounds of marijuana. [Submitted by Jon Young, Park Ranger, Organ Pipe Cactus NM]
On September 14, six people were injured when the driver of a van fell asleep at the wheel and it went off the road and rolled over. Rangers responded and provided emergency medical assistance. All six were transported to Lukeville by Mexican EMS personnel, where they were transferred to the care of U.S. EMS responders. All of the victims were treated for severe trauma by Ajo ambulance crews and park EMT's. Four were flown to hospitals in Tucson and Phoenix, where three later died from their injuries - including two women and a five-year-old boy. Assisting agencies included Customs and INS. [Submitted by Bo Stone, Park Ranger, Organ Pipe Cactus NM]
Rangers recovered the bodies of two illegal immigrants near the north boundary of the park on September 6. Maintenance employees discovered one of the bodies within a quarter mile of the road; the second was reported missing near Montezuma's Head and was subsequently found to have died of exposure as well. Eighteen people have lost their lives this year while attempting to illegally enter the country from Mexico within the Border Patrol's Ajo sector, which covers about 67 miles of the border and includes the park. Since last October, 143 people have died of exposure while illegally entering the U.S. in Arizona alone. [Submitted by Bo Stone, Park Ranger, Organ Pipe Cactus NM]
Rangers detailed to the park for homeland security tracked a group of narcotics backpackers 11 miles across the eastern boundary of the park and into the Tohono O'Odham reservation on September 21. Four men were taken into custody and 315 pounds of marijuana were seized. The drugs were being carried in homemade backpacks made from sugar sacks and spray-painted black. All were armed with pocket knives and they had binoculars and a cell phone in their possession. A Customs Blackhawk helicopter and an Arizona Army National Guard helicopter provided air support during the operation. Customs and tribal police assisted. [Submitted by Bo Stone, Park Ranger]
While protecting park resources and providing homeland security during the month of September, Organ Pipe and detailed rangers were involved in ten high-speed pursuits (see below for one of them), recovered seven stolen vehicles, impounded 14 more vehicles, conducted eight drug interdiction overflights, responded to five EMS incidents (one with three fatalities), detained 58 undocumented aliens, recovered two bodies, arrested seven people on drug possession charges (one of whom was wandering in the desert with cocaine and $6,400 in hundred dollar bills in his possession), seized 670 pounds of marijuana, and delivered one baby girl. One of the pursuits proved particularly hair-raising. On September 28, Tohono O'Odham PD officers attempted to stop a full-size Dodge truck for speeding on Route 86. The driver failed to stop and a pursuit followed with speeds up to 100 mph. Upon entering the community of Why, the truck left the road and rolled over, landing on its wheels. It sustained heavy damage to its front end and lost its windshield, but was not disabled. The pursuit continued south into the park at a high rate of speed. Rangers joined the chase. Border Patrol agents spiked the truck's tires at the park's northern boundary, and it stopped after continuing for another three miles. The driver, an illegal immigrant, was taken into custody and turned over to the county sheriff's office. The truck had been stolen in Tucson. [Submitted by Chief Rangers Office]
Rangers discovered evidence of narcotics backpackers entering the U.S. in a remote wilderness area of the park last week. The group was tracked about seven miles across the desert to the western slope of the Sierra De Santa Rosa Mountains, where they were found hiding in a wash. Three of them were apprehended along with five backpacks containing 220 pounds of marijuana. The homemade backpacks were made from sugar sacks and spray painted black. An elite group of Customs officers known as the "Shadow Wolves" - renowned for their skills in tracking - assisted in the case. The members of this group of Native Americans are world-renowned for their tracking skills. They work closely with park rangers along the border, sharing their knowledge and skills in drug interdiction operations. Air support was provided by an Arizona ANG helicopter and a Customs Blackhawk helicopter. [Submitted by Bo Stone, Park Ranger]
A superseding indictment was filed in federal court in Arizona on October 16, charging D.R.-L. on the following ten counts - one count of being an alien in possession of ammunition, one count of being an alien in possession of a firearm, one count of interstate transportation of a stolen vehicle, one count of assault with intent to commit murder, three counts of assault with a dangerous weapon, and three counts of discharging a firearm during a crime of violence. D.R.-L. was an associate of P.M.A., the man who shot and killed ranger Kris Eggle. P.M.A. was subsequently shot and killed by Mexican officers. D.R.-L. was originally indicted on just three charges, but a superseding indictment was expected once investigators obtained further information. The trial is set to begin on December 17. The joint investigation by the FBI and NPS continues. [Submitted by Dan Wirth and Susan Morton,Special Agents]
On October 26, rangers stopped a red 1993 Mazda mini-van suspected of illegally entering the country. The registration displayed on the van came back to a 1983 Buick. The driver, Y.S., 31, of La Puente, California, had no license or proof of insurance and did not know the registered owner of the van. She consented to a search of the vehicle, and rangers found 48 pounds of marijuana in a false compartment under the van's floor. She was taken into custody. Y.S., who is seven-and-a-half months pregnant, later admitted to smoking methamphetamine. Customs officer Tim Carroll and his dog "Amber" assisted. The county sheriff's department will prosecute. [Submitted by Bo Stone, Park Ranger]
Rangers made two drug cases on October 28. A 1980 Chevy truck with an overhead camper shell was stopped on suspicion of having illegally entered the country. The truck's registration had expired and was not valid for highway use. The driver had a suspended license, no proof of insurance, and no registration for the truck. A consent search was conducted that led to the discovery of 218 pounds of marijuana in a false compartment under the overhead bed. Stanley Dunn, 22, and Stefanie Tingle, 20, both of Louisville, Kentucky, were arrested for possession of narcotics. Both later admitted to having been offered $1500 to deliver the truck to Phoenix. The money was to be paid after the vehicle was delivered. The case is being handled by NPS special agent Susan Morton and a Customs agent. That same day, rangers stopped a 1999 Ford Taurus station wagon suspected of illegally entering the country. The driver consented to a search of his vehicle, and rangers found 296 pounds of marijuana inside a false compartment under the rear seat and trunk. Customs and Border Patrol officers assisted. [Submitted by Chief Ranger's Office]
On November 18, a vehicle was stopped in the park for speeding and driving in a closed area. The driver, A.B., 38, could not provide proof of insurance, a license, or a registration. A consent search was conducted. The ranger smelled the odor of marijuana emanating from the luggage rack on the vehicle's roof and discovered 17 bundles of marijuana weighing 264 pounds. A.B. and passenger J.S., 26, were arrested. Methamphetamine was found on J.S. during a search of his person. The vehicle was later found to have been stolen. The case was turned over to Customs. [Submitted by Julie Horne, Park Ranger]
Rangers stopped a vehicle for illegally entering the country on December 1. The driver had neither a license nor proof of insurance. A warrants check led to the discovery that there was a felony warrant out against her for a narcotics violation. The vehicle was searched by a Customs canine unit. The dog alerted on the glove compartment, so the car was taken to the Customs port of entry at Lukeville for disassembly. A false compartment was found along the length of the dashboard behind the airbag. Within it were 48 bundles of marijuana weighing a total of 108 pounds. Both occupants of the vehicle were arrested. [Submitted by Julie Horne, Park Ranger]
Rangers stopped a 2002 Nissan Xterra pulling a box trailer on December 17. Although the registration came back as a white Nissan Xterra, the vehicle identification number (VIN) did not match. A check of the VIN revealed that the truck was stolen. All three occupants were taken into custody at gunpoint. The trailer was registered to one of the passengers. A hidden compartment inside contained 29 packages of marijuana weighing just over 463 pounds. D.L., 53, B.W., 27, and J.N., 21, all of Avondale, Arizona, face charged of possession of narcotics and a stolen vehicle. Assisting agencies included Customs and the Border Patrol. [Submitted by Bo Stone, Park Ranger]
On December 5, rangers were checking on an illegal drive-through (a road created illegally by smugglers) when they came upon two vehicles, both of which turned and fled south past them. The second vehicle, a Nissan Pathfinder, was disabled with tire spikes and later found abandoned on the Red Tanks trail system. A similar incident occurred on December 18 on the same drive, also culminating in the seizure of an abandoned Nissan Pathfinder. Both vehicles were found to have been stolen in San Diego. They were being used to smuggle illegal aliens and possibly drugs on a daily basis for over three weeks. These smuggling operations caused damage to over then miles of trails in the Victory Mine, Senita Basin and Red Tanks Tanaja trail systems. The smugglers have been using the three trails as part of their road system - a not uncommon practice. [Submitted by Grant Stolhand, Park Ranger] Thursday, January 02, 2003 On December 30, a Border Patrol agent requested immediate assistance
when he saw Mexican officers exchanging gunfire with the occupants of
two vehicles that they were pursuing just west of the Lukeville port of
entry. One of the vehicles, a blue truck, became disabled near the
border, and the three people within - all heavily armed - fled on foot
into a thickly-wooded wash inside the U.S. Rangers and agents pursued
the second vehicle, a silver Dodge Durango, westward onto South Puerto
Blanco Drive for two miles before it reentered Mexico onto Highway 2. A
perimeter was established to contain the three armed men. A Customs
Blackhawk helicopter and a Border Patrol special response team were
brought in and a search for the men was begun. One of them returned to
Mexico and was captured by Mexican officers. An AK-47 was found near the
spot where he was apprehended. A second man, M.G.R.-B.,
30, was taken into custody by the Border Patrol and
later turned over to Mexican authorities. The third man was tracked
north for about two miles before his trail was lost. All three are
reportedly linked to the smuggling organization responsible for the
death of ranger Kris Eggle.
Two rangers were checking vehicle tracks on a "drive through" (a road
created illegally by smugglers) near North Puerto Blanco Drive on
December 23 when they heard a vehicle north of them. They tried to
locate the vehicle, but were not successful. Five days later, the same
thing happened again, this time with four rangers on scene. One of the
rangers was able to make it to high ground and spotted two vehicles in
the desert. Both of them were abandoned; both were found to be stolen.
Because of the location, a four-by-four tow truck had to be used to
remove them. A third stolen vehicle, abandoned for almost a month, was
also removed; it, too, proved to be stolen. During the month of
December, rangers recovered a total of five stolen vehicles from this
illegal drive through. Resource damage has been considerable.
A white mini-van traveling north on Route 85 on January 5 turned
around in traffic in front of a patrol car and headed south at a high
rate of speed. The California registration came back as stolen. The van
headed for Mexico at speeds up to 110 mph. Northbound traffic was
stopped at the Lukeville port of entry in order to assure public safety.
Rangers then spiked the van's tires. The van traveled another half mile
before leaving the highway and continuing for another tenth of a mile
off-road, causing a significant amount of resource damage before
stopping due to three flattened tires. Eight undocumented aliens were
arrested and turned over to the Border Patrol. Another five escaped into
the desert along with the driver. Assisting agencies included the Border
Patrol and Customs.
On January 18, rangers tracked a group of suspected drug smugglers to
the southern edge of Tillotson Peak in the park's backcountry. Ten
people were taken into custody at gunpoint with the assistance of Border
Patrol agents and an Arizona National Guard helicopter. Ten backpacks
containing a total of 40 package of marijuana were found nearby; the
total weight came to just over 461 pounds. Marijuana was also found on
the men and inside their campsite. They later admitted to having been
paid between $800 and $1,000 to deliver the load to State Route 86 a few
miles east of the town of Why, Arizona.
On January 23, a ranger saw a full-size pickup stopped on the
highway, dropping off from 10 to 15 suspected undocumented aliens. A
traffic stop was attempted, but the driver took off at a high rate of
speed, heading south towards Mexico. The ranger made an instant decision
to use road spike, which were deployed before the truck had gone very
far. The pickup was found abandoned about three-quarters of a mile south
on the highway. The driver fled into the desert, but the Border Patrol
was able to collar a dozen of the illegal immigrants. A check of the
vehicle's VIN showed that it was a stolen vehicle. The elapsed time from
the beginning of the traffic stop to the deployment of the spikes was
only 20 to 30 seconds. The rangers' quick thinking kept the incident
from developing into a high speed pursuit.
During the early morning hours of March 14th, members of the National
Park Service's special operations class (eleventh session) conducted a
special drug interdiction operation in targeted locations within the
park's backcountry. Several hours later, rangers saw nine men carrying
large backpacks on a trail heavily used by smugglers and illegal
immigrants. Four were captured and seven backpacks seized. The packs
contained a total of over 305 pounds of marijuana; one of the men also
had personal amounts of methamphetamine in his possession. Investigators
determined that the men were each to be paid $1,000 for successful
delivery of the marijuana. In a separate incident during the same
operation, rangers at another location spotted an SUV off-road in a wash
on another heavily traveled smuggling route. Earlier in the evening,
they'd laid spikes in the area to prevent vehicles from fleeing and
leading high speed pursuits. The SUV was disabled by the spikes and 13
people were arrested at the scene. All were undocumented aliens. This
was the first successful drug interdiction operation during a training
exercise in several years.
Rangers investigated a report of an accident with injuries on Highway
85 near the park's north boundary on the afternoon of March 16th. They
found that a woman had been pushed out of a moving vehicle at an unknown
rate of speed, causing multiple injuries. She had evidently entered the
country illegally and had been picked up by a Mexican national in the
park. As they neared a checkpoint, the driver pushed her out of the
vehicle in order to avoid being caught smuggling an illegal alien. The
driver fled and was not found or apprehended. The woman was taken to a
hospital in Phoenix where she was treated and released. Lack of credible
information on the suspect is hampering the investigation.
On the morning of March 22nd, rangers received a call from officers
of the Bureau of Customs and Border Protection (formerly two agencies
- Customs and Border Patrol) reporting that a man had just fled
from the Lukeville port of entry into the park. Officers were able to
stop his vehicle several miles north of Lukeville on Highway 85. When he
got out of his car, though, he had a .357 magnum handgun in his hand and
immediately threatened to shoot himself. Before rangers arrived, he shot
himself in the head. Investigators found that he was wanted on numerous
felony warrants from Idaho on charges of sexual misconduct with a child
and weapons violations. No contraband was found in the vehicle. The
investigation continues.
Earlier this week, rangers discovered evidence of drug smugglers
who'd entered the country on foot in a remote area of the park. The
backpackers were tracked cross-country for about eight miles to a spot
where they were found resting on top of a ridgeline. With the assistance
of the crew from an Arizona National Guard helicopter, they took five
smugglers into custody at gunpoint; another twenty fled on foot,
including one woman. Rangers seized 25 backpacks containing more than a
half ton of marijuana. The smugglers were armed with knives and later
admitted to having been paid between $700 and $1,500 to deliver the
load. Evidence at the scene indicated that they were using light bulbs
and small propane burners to make methamphetamine for their use. Other
items found at the scene include binoculars and two-way radios. The case
and evidence were transferred to Customs.
On the afternoon of June 8th, a red Nissan pickup was seen entering
the United States through the park via a well-known smuggler's route
across the border. Rangers intercepted the truck as it traveled
northbound. They confirmed that it had entered the country illegally and
that the truck's California tags had expired last July. A dog alerted on
the truck, so a search was conducted that led to the discovery of over
300 pounds of marijuana under a false bed in the pickup. The occupants,
both U.S. citizens, were arrested. The pickup and a Honda ATV were
seized. The case was transferred to Customs and is under joint
investigation.
Two undocumented aliens traveling north through Sweetwater Canyon
early on the morning of May 27th stumbled upon a robbery in progress.
Three men armed with long guns and wearing ski masks had their weapons
pointed at three men lying naked on the ground. The two men were made to
remove their clothing and join the trio on the ground. The robbers then
took their money, food and personal possessions. The robbers were
dressed in dark clothing and sweats and armed with what were described
as long guns with ventilated ribs and banana clips. The two men were
given their clothing back and released unharmed, but were made to return
to Mexico despite their request to continue north. As they headed south,
they saw a fourth member of the gang on a hilltop with binoculars. After
returning to Mexico, they reported the incident to U.S. authorities. The
canyon is now closed to the public. The investigation continues.
Rangers stopped a 1995 Mercury Cougar at the Border Patrol checkpoint
on Highway 85 at the park's north boundary on June 17th. The expired
plate displayed a current sticker but was registered to a 1977
Oldsmobile. The driver could provide no identification, proof of
insurance or registration. When questioned further, he became nervous,
stepped on the gas and turned around in oncoming traffic before fleeing
at a high rate of speed back towards Mexico. There were seven cars and
several marked patrol units at the checkpoint in both lanes of traffic
and in secondary lanes at the time. Three park and four Border Patrol
units pursued the vehicle at speeds of 100 mph for 14 miles before the
driver went off the road and fled on foot. He was taken into custody at
gunpoint less than 100 yards from the vehicle as an Arizona Army
National Guard helicopter hovered overhead. The vehicle contained 165
pounds of marijuana in false compartments in the rear bumper, back seat,
quarter panels and dashboard. F.W., 30, a fugitive from justice
wanted by the North Carolina Division of Prisons and the Kentucky State
Police, later admitted to being paid $1500 to deliver the load to
Phoenix. He is facing charges for narcotics possession, reckless
endangerment and assault. The case is being handled by NPS special agent
Susan Morton and a Customs special agent.
Border Patrol agents found the body of a 39-year-old Mexican national
in the southern part of the park about two miles north of the border at
5 a.m. on July 17th. He had entered the country illegally and was
traveling north with other undocumented aliens when he died on July
11th. His companions returned to Mexico and reported his death to family
members, who in turn notified the Border Patrol. Evidence indicates that
he died of exposure. Temperatures along the border have been
consistently over 115 degrees over the past two weeks. Media interest
has been very high due to the significant rise in the number of exposure
fatalities in the Tucson area this month. The Pima County Sheriff's
Office is conducting an investigation to confirm the cause of death.
On July 26th, rangers responded to a serious motor vehicle accident
on State Route 85. A tire blew on a northbound Chevy min-van, causing it
to cross the centerline of the highway, climb a high embankment, hit a
boulder, and roll back onto the road. The five passengers - two
adults and three children - were all wearing their
seatbelts. The first person to arrive was a Border Patrol agent, who
helped all five from their vehicle. Moments later, it burst into flame.
Rangers provided emergency medical assistance and traffic control, and
park firefighters responded in the park's structural fire engine. The
five occupants of the van were treated for spinal injuries and numerous
abrasions and taken to a hospital for evaluation. Both lanes of the
highway were closed for three hours.
Rangers attempted to stop the driver of a Chevy pickup suspected of
illegally entering the country on Route 85 on July 27th. Efforts had
twice been made the previous week to stop this truck, but on both
occasions the driver was successful in his efforts to elude officers.
This time, the driver turned around in oncoming traffic and fled south
at speeds up to 95 mph. He passed seven cars in oncoming traffic and
crossed double yellow lines on a blind curve. Rangers spiked the truck's
tires and were able to stop it about a mile further down the road.
Sixteen illegal aliens who had been lying on the floor of the pickup's
bed jumped out and fled a short distance before surrendering. The driver
and three others made it another three-quarters of a mile before they
were apprehended. The driver, J.R.-V., 21, was found to be an
undocumented alien from Sonora, Mexico. He was seen carrying a portable
radio that was never found, and a cell phone was taken from his person.
He's facing charges of smuggling undocumented aliens, reckless
endangerment, and possession of a stolen vehicle. The Border Patrol and
Pima County Sheriff's Office assisted in this incident.
Rangers stopped a 2000 Cadillac Escalade SUV at a Border Patrol
checkpoint on Highway 85 at the park's north boundary for impeding
traffic and weaving within the lane of travel on August 20th. The
vehicle was registered to a rental car company in Phoenix. All four
occupants were from Phoenix as well, but none was listed as a legal
driver on the rental agreement. The operator, who was on parole after
serving seven years for assault, had no proof of insurance. All three
passengers - one a pregnant woman - had misdemeanor warrants
against them. An NPS drug dog alerted to the driver's door; a closer
inspection of the luggage rack led to the discovery of 11 gift-wrapped
packages containing a total of 255 pounds of marijuana. All four were
arrested. The driver is facing charges for possession of narcotics. The
NPS case agent is SA Susan Morton.
Rangers stopped a 1995 Bounder RV at a Border Patrol checkpoint on
Highway 85on the afternoon of September 2nd. A Customs drug dog alerted
on the vehicle, which led to a search and the recovery of over 410
pounds of marijuana in a false compartment under a bed. Another 150
pounds were found in a second compartment. Also discovered were a
shotgun, a zip gun, and directions for constructing radio frequency
detectors. The registered owner of the RV, Robert Kendrick, 71, and his
passenger, Rhonda Alman, 40, were arrested for possession of narcotics.
The RV had been in the Twin Peaks campground in the park the previous
evening, and likely picked up the marijuana backpackers who smuggled it
across the border sometime during the night. A few days later, rangers
topped a 1996 Chevy Astro van for speeding and weaving. The driver,
G.M.-M., 37, had a suspended license. A drug dog alerted on
the van and 70 packages of marijuana weighing over 135 pounds were found
within the interior walls, rear doors, front bumper and gas tank.
Rangers stopped a 1994 Ford Probe for passing in a no passing zone on the afternoon of September 8th. A consent search of the vehicle led to the discovery of 16 packages of marijuana weighing about 72 pounds hidden inside a gym bag in the hatchback and in a spare tire compartment. Richard Watson, 26, and Remzi Nesfield, 20, both of Phoenix, were arrested. [Submitted by Bo Stone, Park Ranger]
On September 20th, rangers stopped a 2000 Chevy truck for speeding.
The driver had no license. After being cited, he consented to a search
of the vehicle. A shoe box was found under the seat with $26,635 in it.
A single bud of marijuana was also found. Neither of the vehicles
occupants, both from Ajo, claimed ownership of the money, so it was
seized as abandoned property. The driver was given a property receipt
for the cash and a citation for possession of marijuana before being
released. NPS special agent Dave Sandbakken out of Santa Fe is
coordinating the case through the AUSA's office in Phoenix.
Rangers and Pima County deputies found the body of an illegal
immigrant in the park's backcountry near Sweetwater Pass on September
13th. The 18-year-old male had been missing since July, when average
daily temperatures ran from 115 to 120 degrees. Two one-gallons water
bottles (both still full) and two bottles of electrolytes were found
inside his daypack, which he was still wearing. Fatalities of this sort
generally occur from exposure to extreme heat, not dehydration. The Pima
County Sheriff's Office assumed responsibility for the investigation of
the death.
On October 28, 2002, rangers stopped a 1980 Chevy truck with an
overhead camper shell suspected of illegally entering the country.
S.M.D. Jr., 22, and Stephanie Tingle, 20, both of
Louisville, Kentucky, were arrested for possessing 218 pounds of
marijuana. Both later admitted to being offered $1,500 to deliver the
truck to Phoenix. On October 1st, S.M.D. was sentenced to 48 months in
federal prison and Tingle was sentenced to 24 months in jail. Assisting
agencies include Customs and the Border Patrol. The case is being
handled by a Customs special agent and NPS special agent Susan Morton.
A park employee at Dripping Springs notified rangers of suspicious
activity in the area on September 30th. The rangers hiked about five
miles into the area and came upon four men, who immediately fled in
different directions. Rangers were able to apprehend one of them, and
soon found eight backpacks in Dripping Spring Pass containing 437 pounds
of marijuana. Another ranger arrived to assist and soon spotted more
suspects on higher ground within the pass. Rangers were unable to round
them up, though, due to lack of personnel. The smuggler and contraband
were turned over to Customs.
During the early morning hours of October 18th, rangers conducting a
special operation saw a red pickup driving illegally on the Red Tanks
trail system. Using night vision equipment, they watched as the truck
passed their location with a large number of passengers in its bed.
Pre-deployed deflating spikes were used to stop the truck, and the
driver and a dozen suspected illegal aliens were taken into custody. A
check on the truck revealed that it had been stolen from Phoenix. The
vehicle and driver were turned over to the county sheriff's office; the
undocumented aliens were turned over to the Border Patrol. The Red Tanks
trail system is popular with park visitors, but in recent years has also
become a smuggling route for narcotics and illegal aliens. This was the
seventh stolen vehicle recovered by rangers on the trail system during
the past twelve months.
Rangers spotted a vehicle traveling off road on a known smuggling
route on the morning of November 2nd. They placed spikes on the road,
forcing the vehicle to stop. The driver and passenger were arrested. A
check of the vehicle revealed that it had been stolen in California. It
appears that it had been used to smuggle undocumented aliens into the
country. A cell phone was seized and turned over to a Border Patrol
intelligence unit. This was the third of three vehicle incursions to
occur in the park over the last three weeks - two were chased into
the U.S. by Mexican police, and the third was discovered by patrol
rangers. One of the vehicles chased by Mexican police was reportedly
loaded with narcotics. Communications with Mexican police have been
difficult, as calls must go through several channels.
Rangers tracked drug backpackers about seven miles through the park's
backcountry on November 9th and eventually came upon a group of ten
smugglers. One was captured; the other nine were able to get away due to
the rugged terrain and lack of air support. A cache of 428 pounds of
marijuana was found in backpacks a short distance away. A small amount
of methamphetamine and paraphernalia were also found. Backpackers
commonly use methamphetamine to fortify themselves while carrying the
large loads across long distances.
Rangers checked out a report of illegal aliens on foot near a Border
Patrol checkpoint around 1 p.m. on November 28th. While en route, they
passed an empty vehicle with its hood up and facing south. That vehicle
later passed them with five people inside. The rangers stopped the Chevy
Lumina and found that all five were illegal aliens. They were turned
over to the border patrol. Shortly thereafter, the rangers pulled in
behind a vehicle traveling well below the speed limit. When they passed
the Olds Achieva, they saw that there were stuffed animals inside -
but no children or car seats. Moreover, neither of the occupants would
make eye contact with the rangers. The rangers pulled over and waited
for the car to pass them again. When they again pulled in behind the
car, the driver turned back south and took off at high speed. The
rangers pursued for about 20 miles. Meanwhile, other rangers set spikes
on the road and made calls to close the visitor center access and the
port of entry at Lukeville. The Olds left the highway and traveled back
to Mexico on illegal roads with the rangers in pursuit. Mexican
authorities, who had also been alerted, took up pursuit at the border
and arrested the two occupants after they rolled their car. They found
330 pounds of marijuana within it.
Rangers were involved in three drug interdiction incidents during the
first half of November. On November 6th, rangers on an overflight
training mission saw five suspected illegal aliens along a highly-used
smuggling trail. The helicopter set down south of them and a ranger was
able to apprehend one 17-year-old smuggler who had 17 pounds of
marijuana in his backpack. A check of the Border Patrol's "Ident" system
revealed that the boy had been arrested 16 times by the Border Patrol.
The case and contraband were turned over to the county sheriff. While on
another overflight training operation the next day, rangers were asked
by the Border Patrol to assist an officer who was tracking a group of
drug backpackers. They spotted the group hidden in a grove of trees. Six
people were apprehended and ten backpacks containing a total of 537
pounds of marijuana were seized. DEA and Border Patrol are handling the
case. On November 21st, three rangers tracked another group of
backpackers about five miles from North Puerto Blanco Road. With
assistance from a helicopter and its ranger air crew, they were able to
locate and arrest five smugglers and seize ten bundles of marijuana
weighing 559 pounds. The case and contraband were turned over to
Customs.
On Tuesday, November 30th, rangers were apprised of a probable
smuggling drive-through in Aguajita Wash, which extends for about ten
miles into the park's wilderness. Tire spikes were placed on the track,
which caused the driver of a Nissan Pathfinder to stop. The driver and
passenger, both suspected illegal aliens, were arrested; they and the
vehicle were turned over to the Border Patrol. On the following
Saturday, another drive-through was reported on the Victoria Mine trail
system. The vehicle's tires were blown out by spike strips and it was
stopped after a short pursuit. Rangers were unable to apprehend the
driver, who fled into the desert, but did seize the vehicle.
On December 7th, rangers attempted to stop a 2000 Nissan Pathfinder
for speeding, but the driver declined to pull over and fled. The pursuit
continued south towards Mexico for 20 miles at speeds of up to 100 mph.
The Intermountain Region SET team was in the park on assignment and had
just completed training on pursuit of vehicles, including spiking tires.
They spiked the Nissan's tires and stopped it five miles north of the
international boundary. The driver and passenger escaped, but 16
packages of marijuana weighing about 360 pounds were found under a
blanket in the rear of the vehicle and seized. Also seized was a
Motorola radio charge that was hot-wired directly to the car's battery.
Between December 13th and 16th, rangers were involved in five significant incidents along the Mexican border:
[Submitted by Bo Stone, Park Ranger]
Several significant incidents occurred within the park during the last days of 2003:
[Submitted by Fred Patton, Chief Ranger; Bo Stone and Julie Kovacs, Park Rangers]
The occupants of two vehicles driving on the Mexican side of the
international border across from the park exchanged gunfire just after 1
p.m. on Friday, January 9th. This gunfight took place less than 30 feet
from the point where contract construction crews were installing a
border barrier along the park's south boundary. Witnesses reported that
about 15 shots were fired. The construction crew sought cover and the
two "Operation Safeguard" REACT teams from the Pacific West Region SET
team responded immediately and evacuated the workers. There were no
injuries. Cover was provided by rangers in an NPS observation post and
the crew of an Arizona ANG helicopter that had been diverted from an NPS
interdiction operation. They also tracked the movement of the vehicles
as they headed away from the border into the town of Sonoyta. Visual
contact was eventually lost; although Mexican authorities were notified
immediately, they were not able to reach the scene before both vehicles
disappeared. It's not known whether any apprehensions were made by
Mexican police.
Rangers interdicted smugglers carrying more than a third of a ton of
marijuana last week. On January 11th, Organ Pipe rangers, assisted by
members of the Pacific West SET team, tracked backpackers for five miles
across the park's remote backcountry. Three of the smugglers were caught
(one just 16 years old) and taken into custody at gunpoint; another
seven fled on foot. Ten bundles of marijuana weighing a total of 460
pounds were seized. Three days later, rangers and SET members again
tracked smugglers through the backcountry, this time covering more than
seven miles before finding and seizing six backpacks with 280 pounds of
marijuana. No arrests were made.
Rangers dealt with several significant incidents during late January and early February:
[Submitted by Fred Patton, Chief Ranger]
Rangers responded to a number of significant incidents last month:
[Submitted by Fred Patton, Chief Ranger]
On the afternoon of March 2nd, rangers were asked to respond to assist officers on Route 85. They found that a Pima County deputy had two undocumented aliens detained. They told the rangers and a responding Border Patrol agent that three other people who were with them were in the desert and needed medical attention. Two were found about a mile away by Border Patrol agents; they said that the third illegal immigrant was unconscious and in a wash. A search was begun and a Department of Homeland Security (DHS) helicopter called in to assist. The crew of the helicopter spotted the man and transported two EMT rangers to the location. The rangers determined that the man had died. The body was recovered. DHS and Pima County are investigating.[Submitted by Fred Patton, Chief Ranger]
Last June, F.W., 32, a fugitive from justice from the North
Carolina Bureau of Prisons and the Kentucky State Police, illegally
entered the U.S. from Mexico in a Mercury Cougar with 164 pounds of
marijuana in hidden compartments. F.W. was stopped by rangers and Border
Patrol agents at a checkpoint on Route 85. When asked to get out of his
car, F.W. stepped on the gas, dragging a federal officer about ten feet.
Hen then fled south into oncoming traffic. Rangers and agents pursued
him at speeds of 100 mph for 14 miles before F.W. ran off the road. He
was arrested at gunpoint while an Arizona Army National Guard helicopter
hovered overhead. On February 20th, F.W. pled guilty to assaulting a
federal officer and to possession with intent to distribute. He was
sentenced to 92 months in federal prison, and still faces charges in
Kentucky and North Carolina.
With all state schools out at the same time this year, spring break traffic to Puerto Penasco (Rocky Point) Mexico set new records. Arizona DPS estimated that over 250,000 vehicles passed through the park while traveling to and from Mexico over a period of nine days, primarily over two weekends. Managing the traffic flow and responding to major and minor accidents taxed all local federal and state law enforcement agencies. Rangers patrolled Highway 85 in saturation strike teams, making over 340 vehicle stops and issuing 62 citations during the peak traffic periods. Despite the best efforts of all public safety agencies involved, there were still several serious accidents, all involving alcohol:
All three accidents backed up traffic in both directions for miles.
Rangers were assisted by personnel from the Pima County Sheriffs
Department, Arizona DPS, Bureau of Customs and Border Protection, Ajo
Fire Department, and Ajo Ambulance.
Rangers dealt with an array of serious incidents during March in addition to those previously reported that stemmed from spring break: March 7 — Rangers conducting a special operation saw two vehicles entering the United States illegally. An NPS tactical team was able to stop one of them, a stolen 2004 Dodge truck, while the other fled back to Mexico. They discovered and seized 41 individually wrapped packages of marijuana weighing 1,034 pounds and a two-way radio. Assisting agencies included the Border Patrol and Bureau of Immigration and Customs. March 11 — Rangers from a special operations class training in the park conducted a 12-hour night tactical field exercise. Rangers from Organ Pipe and NPS special operations instructors provided support to the field units. During the operation, several vehicles were seen entering the country illegally. One was pursued off-road and stopped; nine illegal aliens were arrested and the vehicle, which was stolen, was seized. A second vehicle eluded them, but was eventually stopped by Arizona DPS officers north of the park. Another 14 illegal aliens were arrested. Meanwhile, other teams spotted smugglers enter a remote area of the park. Ten of twelve fled, but the remaining two smugglers were arrested and ten backpacks containing 563 pounds of marijuana were seized. Throughout the night, several other groups were seen traveling on park visitor trails and known illegal alien routes. A total of 178 illegal aliens were counted; 74 of them were caught and arrested and a dozen bicycles were seized. Assisting agencies included the Arizona Department of Safety, the Border Patrol, and the Bureau of Immigration and Customs. Air support was provided by the Arizona Army National Guard. March 13 — Rangers working a special interdiction operation saw two vehicles — a white Dodge truck and a Jeep Cherokee — illegally enter the United States. The truck was immediately recognized as the vehicle that had eluded rangers in the March 7th incident (above). They attempted to stop both vehicles on Highway 85, but ended up in two simultaneous high speed pursuits. The driver of the Cherokee attempted to sideswipe a ranger patrol car and drive it off the road, but was subsequently disabled by flat tires after taking a 90 degree turn at a high rate of speed near the border. Due to the newly constructed border barrier, the driver was forced to stop. Despite assistance from Mexican authorities, the occupants were able to escape across the border. The Dodge truck fled cross-country through the park's wilderness and was pursued by rangers until it became disabled. The occupants escaped into the night. A total of 806 pounds of marijuana was seized from the two vehicles. March 16 — Rangers responded to a medical call at the Lukeville
Port of Entry. A 21-year-old woman had been shot in the head
in the neighboring border town of Sonoyta. She had been brought to the
U.S. by a Mexican ambulance crew. Rangers provided basic life support.
She was transferred to an ambulance from Ajo and taken to the hospital
in stable condition.
Rangers were called to the Lukeville port of entry on April 17th to
assist with treatment of several people who had been injured in a
single-vehicle accident in Mexico and were being transported to the
United States. According to the first report, there were four injured
parties, two of whom were in critical condition. Rangers, Customs
officers and Ajo ambulance personnel established a triage operation and
began evaluating and working on the victims as they arrived. The total
number rose from four to sixteen. Three medevac helicopters, six
ambulances and a dozen emergency medical personnel were required to
manage the incident. All of the victims were citizens from Belize who
were en route to the United States. The driver of the tour vehicle was
the only one who wasn't injured in the accident. Five minutes after
clearing from this incident, rangers arrested an undocumented alien as
he entered the park housing area and sought but were unable to find
smugglers who'd been seen loading eight backpacks of marijuana into a
vehicle between Lukeville and the park's ranger station while the above
response was underway.
Over a period of eight days in April, rangers on routine patrol and
engaged in special operations arrested 147 illegal aliens in eight
incidents. In a separate operation on April 7th, three vehicles were
stopped after illegally crossing the border and another 35 undocumented
aliens were apprehended. A stolen vehicle was also recovered. Later that
day, another eight illegal aliens were caught. On April 18th, rangers
spotted two vehicles that entered the U.S. illegally and pursued. Both
were able to get back to Mexico due to the lack of additional units to
assist in interdiction.
On the afternoon of May 1st, Pima County deputies radioed rangers and
asked for their assistance in stopping a Ford F-250 pickup whose tires
they'd spiked. Although the truck had two flat tires, the driver was
still heading south on Highway 85 at speeds in excess of 85 mph. The
rangers laid more spikes on the road and took out the remaining two
tires, but failed to discourage the driver. The vehicle continued south
on exposed rims at more than 65 mph, all four rims throwing off sparks,
with eight cruisers following. The pursuit was broken off before the
truck entered Lukeville. Although the Border Patrol alerted Mexican
authorities to the chase in progress, the truck passed through the
Mexican port of entry with no resistance and no pursuit by any Mexican
officer.
Rangers again had a busy month along the border in May: May 10 — The park's dog team was summoned to the Lukeville port of entry to check on a suspicious vehicle. The dog alerted on its gas tank, which led to the seizure of 56 pounds of marijuana and the driver's arrest. May 15 — Rangers got a call from the park visitor center, asking that they meet a visitor in the parking lot. The visitor — a police chief from New Hampshire — told them that he'd been showing his family a place where he'd seen trash left behind by illegal aliens near a fee station during a previous visit to the park when his daughter found a backpack containing packages of marijuana hidden under a tree. Rangers seized the 43 pound load; they searched the area, but found no other backpacks. May 21 — Rangers found evidence that a group of smugglers had passed through the park. A ranger team tracked them for about two miles, then apprehended 10 smugglers and seized the 574 pounds of marijuana they had been packing into the country. The Border Patrol and National Guard assisted. Seven of the ten have been charged with smuggling. Throughout the same day, rangers arrested 33 undocumented aliens — most of them within the park's administrative and housing complex. May 22 — Evidence was found of another group of drug smugglers in the park. Rangers caught six smugglers and arrested them at gunpoint; 22 backpacks with a total of 1,153 pounds of marijuana were seized. All six were charged with smuggling. May 29 — An attempt to stop a vehicle that had illegally crossed into the U.S. on Highway 85 led to a pursuit as the driver fled towards Mexico. Speeds at times were over 110 mph. Tire deflation devices were placed on the road, which succeeded in stopping the vehicle. A foot pursuit ensued that culminated with the arrest of the driver and eight illegal aliens. The driver will be charged with felony alien smuggling. May 30 — Another vehicle suspected of illegally entering the county was pursued, but the driver made it back to Mexico before rangers could catch him. Three hours later, he tried again and this time was caught. Seven were arrested. The driver will be charged with felony alien smuggling. May 29 — 31 — Over the Memorial day weekend, rangers provided EMS to a number of accident victims from Mexico at the Lukeville port of entry, including nine victims of a rollover accident, a 14-year-old boy who succumbed to head injuries from driving his ATV into a palm tree, and a 14-year-old girl who also had an ATV accident. June 1 — Rangers were the first on the scene at a fatal accident
on Highway 85. G.D., 18, of Tucson, was heading back to the
country from a weekend in Puerto Penaso with two companions in a small
sedan. The car ran into the rear end of a five-ton flatbed truck that
was making a legal turn into the park visitor center, hitting it so hard
that it spun the truck around 180 degrees. G.D. was killed in
the impact. His two passengers and the driver of the truck were all
taken to hospitals. G.D. and his companions were celebrating
their recent high school graduation.
Rangers made a series of significant drug cases over the course of a six-day period in June, seizing a ton and a half of marijuana. Temperatures throughout the period were in excess of 100 degrees, creating challenging conditions for operations:
The 3,000 plus pounds confiscated during the period does not include
seizures by other agencies or loads that were not
detected.
A tanker truck hauling 9,000 gallons of unleaded gasoline rolled over
and caught fire on Highway 85 within the park on the afternoon of
Saturday, July 17th. The driver suffered a broken leg and several
lacerations, but was able to extricate himself from the truck and escape
the fire. The burning tanker lay on its side along both lanes of the
highway; flames shot a hundred feet into the air and the column of smoke
that was visible from 60 miles away. Rangers responded, set up ICS and
made the first fire/EMS response. They were joined by four local fire
departments, Pima County Sheriff's Department, Arizona DOT, Arizona DPS,
Border and Customs Enforcement, and an ambulance squad from Ajo. The
fuel burned for more than four hours before the fire could be brought
under control. The road surface, underlying roadbed, adjacent soil and
surrounding vegetation sustained significant damage from the fire and
spilled fuel. An Arizona DOT hazmat team conducted an assessment of the
accident scene. It appears likely that the entire road section and
underlying soil will be removed. The accident is under
investigation.
On July 7th, pursuant to a plea agreement D.R.-L., a Mexican
national, entered a plea of guilty to one count of aggravated assault
(18 U.S.C. ß 113 (a) (3)), one count of discharge of a firearm during
and in relation to a crime of violence (18 U.S.C. ß 924(c)), one count
of interstate transportation of a stolen motor vehicle (19 U.S.C.
ß 2312), and one count of aiding and abetting (18 U.S.C. ß 2).
D.R.-L. was arrested on August 9, 2002, in connection with the murder of
ranger Kristopher Eggle. The sentencing is set for September 13th, and
the sentencing range is ten to twenty years. D.R.-L. was not
charged with Eggle's murder because he had abandoned his weapon and was
in custody prior to the homicide.
The sentencing hearing for D.R.-L., who was arrested
on August 9, 2002 in connection
with the murder of ranger Kristopher Eggle, has been rescheduled from
September 13th to October 21st. The hearing will be held in U.S.
District Court in Tucson, Arizona.
Over the past two months, rangers have conducted 20 interdiction operations resulting in seven large drug seizures, Six cases stemmed from discovery of evidence indicating that suspected drug smugglers had crossed into the park from Mexico. Ranger tracking teams pursued these groups of smugglers over a total of 60 miles, apprehended 25 felony-level drug smugglers, and seized over 2,540 pounds of processed marijuana with a street value of $1,875,000. In another incident, rangers attempted to stop a vehicle on Highway 85 suspected of entering the country illegally. The operator instead fled and rangers pursued the vehicle on and off road for approximately two miles. It was found to be carrying 18 packages of processes marijuana weighing 463 pounds. Both marijuana and vehicle were seized. These cases are being handled jointly by the National Park Service and Customs special agents. Several suspects have already pled to reduced misdemeanor charges. Sentences ranged from time served (two to five days) up to six months in jail. Successful interdiction in these cases would not have been possible
in the 100 degree plus heat without air support from the Army National
Guard and US Customs Air Marine Operations.
In addition to the numerous drug marijuana smuggling cases rangers made during September and October (see last Friday's edition), they also dealt with several other significant felonies.
[Submitted by Julie Kovacs, Park Ranger]
The sentencing hearing for D.R.-L., who was arrested on August 9, 2002, in connection with the murder of ranger Kristopher Eggle, has been continued from November 1st until December 13th. The hearing will be held at 10 a.m. that morning in U.S. District
Court in Tucson, Arizona.
On the morning of September 2nd, a Border Patrol agent reported that he had found a body about five miles east of the Lukeville Port of Entry and about three-and-a-half miles north of the international boundary - a location within the park. The victim was a man in his mid-20s. The Pima County Sheriff's Department was notified and conducted the on-scene unattended death investigation. The man's identity and nationality are unknown, but he appears to have been a Mexican national. Evidence at the scene, corroborated by the coroner, point to exposure and dehydration as the causes of his death. The area in which the body was located is a route heavily used by illegal aliens and drug smugglers entering the United States. [Fred Patton, Chief Ranger]
On the morning of September 2nd, a Border Patrol agent reported that he had found a body about five miles east of the Lukeville Port of Entry and about three-and-a-half miles north of the international boundary - a location within the park. The victim was a man in his mid-20s. The Pima County Sheriff's Department was notified and conducted the on-scene unattended death investigation. The man's identity and nationality are unknown, but he appears to have been a Mexican national. Evidence at the scene, corroborated by the coroner, point to exposure and dehydration as the causes of his death. The area in which the body was located is a route heavily used by illegal aliens and drug smugglers entering the United States. [Fred Patton, Chief Ranger]
On the morning of October 1st, a Mexican national came upon a body just north of the border and within the park. He alerted Mexican authorities, who in turn contacted local Customs and Border Protection agents, who in turn notified the NPS and Pima County Sheriff's Department. The victim had evidently been dead between three and six days. Evidence at the scene indicated that he'd been shot several times in a manner consistent with an execution-style slaying. The victim has since been identified as a US citizen. The county's homicide unit is still withholding identification pending follow-through on other investigative leads and the notification of relatives. Based on the identification, rangers were able to determine that a vehicle in which the victim was a passenger had been stopped by rangers for a traffic violation on September 25th, just five days prior to the discovery of the body. At that time, the victim was detained by rangers on an outstanding warrant, but was released when it was found that Maricopa County would not facilitate extradition. The driver of that vehicle was issued a citation for possession of marijuana. [Submitted by Fred Patton, Chief Ranger]
On November 21st, a Phoenix man was sentenced to serve 78 months in federal custody by a federal district court judge. On March 4th, following a jury trial, the man was found guilty of possession with intent to distribute 255 pounds of marijuana. This conviction stemmed from the man's arrest by rangers in August, 2003. They had followed the tracks of a vehicle that had illegally entered the U.S. - and the park - from Mexico and had stopped the car on State Route 85. Although the driver claimed that he'd entered the United States legally and was in the area bird-watching, a park canine alerted to the presence of drugs in his Cadillac Escalade. Rangers searched the Cadillac and found the marijuana in a luggage compartment on the top of the car. At the trial, the man said that he'd been vacationing in Mexico and had been forced by unknown Mexicans to drive north from the international border towards Phoenix with the load of marijuana on board. The jury found that he knowingly and intentionally possessed the marijuana with the intent to distribute. The criminal investigation was conducted jointly by Immigration and Customs Enforcement special agents, National Park Service rangers and a NPS special agent. (Fred Patton, Chief Ranger, and Susan Morton, Special Agent)
In the interest of operational security, the park no longer routinely submits incident reports for high profile incidents. The following is a summary of border related incidents for 2005: Rangers conducted over 5,800 man hours of interdiction operations, resulting in the seizure of just under 17,000 pounds of marijuana being smuggled through the park by vehicle and on foot. One hundred and four Mexican nationals and four United States Citizens were arrested for possession of marijuana with intent to distribute. These arrests also netted pistols, knives, ammunition, radios and cellular phones. An additional 908 undocumented aliens and their guides were apprehended. Five stolen vehicles were recovered. Many of these operations were conducted as Interagency Border Anti-Narcotic Network Task Force operations under the direction of the ranger staff. Over 25 of these felony level cases are still awaiting trial, with numerous suspects associated with each case. Organ Pipe rangers have been able to maintain their high intensity drug interdiction patrols despite two vacancies and one ranger deployed overseas. Throughout the year, Organ Pipe detailed rangers in for special operations who provided invaluable assistance in these cases. Participating parks were Grand Canyon, Grand Teton, Mount Rainier, North Cascades, Great Smokies, Shenandoah, Point Reyes, Padre Island, glen Canyon, Sequoia-Kings Canyon, Little River, Saguaro, Western Alaska Areas, Amistad, Arches and Canyonlands. The effects of these illegal activities continue to threaten park visitors and resources, with over 200 miles of illegal roads and 1,000 miles of illegal trails having been created. The final phase of construction of the vehicle barrier continues. Two thirds of the park boundary is completed, with final project completion projected for this coming October. [Fred Patton, Chief Ranger]
Over the first two weeks of February, the park witnessed a dramatic increase in the number of illegal border crossings. In an operation conducted on February 11th, rangers apprehended 89 illegal entrants in a single incident. Upon contact, members of the group dispersed over a large area. With the assistance of aircraft to shuttle rangers around and corral them, rangers were able to apprehend the entire group. Rangers hiked the illegal aliens out to the nearest road and filled two waiting US Border Patrol buses. [Fred Patton, Chief Ranger]
On July 18, 2005, rangers at Organ Pipe Cactus NM arrested seven male Mexican nationals who were caught smuggling backpacks of marijuana into the United States. The total weight of the marijuana was 408 pounds. The seven defendants were indicted a month later on one count each of 21 USC 846, conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute marijuana, and one count each of 21 USC 841, possession with intent to distribute marijuana. As of March 3rd, six of the defendants had pled guilty to one felony count on each of the conspiracy charges and were sentenced to thirteen months commitment with credit for time served. The seventh defendant also pled guilty to one felony count of the conspiracy charge and was sentenced to fifteen months commitment with time served. They will be deported upon completion of their sentences. [Susan Morton, Special Agent]
On August 21st, rangers received a call from Border Patrol agents who were requesting assistance in the pursuit of a Ford F-150 pickup truck that was heading south on Highway 85. The occupants had had an altercation with an off-duty Border Patrol agent, then fled a Border Patrol checkpoint on Highway 85 when agents attempted to detain them. The rangers assumed the lead in the chase, which reached speeds of over 110 mph. During the course of the pursuit, one of the three men in the truck climbed outside the passenger compartment and began throwing 40-ounce bottles of malt liquor and other items at the pursuing rangers. Other rangers attempted to deploy tire deflation devices, but were unable to disable the truck due to the driver's evasive actions and the traffic flow. The truck's occupants also tried to hit the ranger deploying the spikes with bottles. The pickup continued southbound at very high speeds, striking a Mexican police vehicle after it crossed the border through Lukeville. Mexican authorities continued the chase into Sonoyta, Sonora, where the pickup hit another police vehicle and ultimately ran into a building. The three men were arrested by Mexican officers, who discovered methamphetamine paraphernalia, live ammunition and alcohol in the truck. Numerous charges are pending against them in both Mexico and the United States. The pickup was reported stolen from the nearby Gila River Indian Reservation and two of the men were also wanted for questioning in connection with a recent homicide in the Phoenix area. On August 23rd, the three men were released by Mexican authorities. Two of them were subsequently detained by U.S. Customs agents as they attempted to reenter the U.S. through Lukeville. Both were turned over to Gila River Tribal Police investigators and remain suspects in the homicide. [Fred Patton, Chief Ranger]
On July 28, 2005, rangers arrested two male Mexican nationals who were caught smuggling backpacks of marijuana into the United States. The total weight of the marijuana was 423 pounds. The two defendants were indicted on August 24, 2005 on one count each of 21 USC 846, conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute marijuana, and one count each of 21 USC 841, possession with intent to distribute marijuana. As of July 27th, both defendants had pled guilty to one count each on the distribution charges and were sentenced to 13 months commitment with credit for time served, and 24 months and 36 months, respectively, of supervised release. They will be deported upon completion of their sentences. [Susan Morton, Special Agent]
Thirteen Mexican nationals who were arrested in two separate drug smuggling incidents have been sentenced in federal court to extended terms in jail, followed by deportation. On October 2, 2005, rangers arrested ten Mexican nationals who were caught smuggling backpacks of marijuana into the United States. The total weight of the marijuana was 550 pounds. The ten men were indicted on one count each of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute marijuana (21 USC 846) and one count each of possession with intent to distribute marijuana (21 USC 841). All ten defendants have now pled guilty to one count each of the conspiracy to distribute charges, and have been sentenced to a total of 175 months of commitment with credit for time served and 36 months each of supervised release. They will be deported upon completion of their sentences. On June 28, 2005, rangers arrested another three Mexican nationals, also caught smuggling backpacks of marijuana into the United States. The total weight of the marijuana was 266 pounds. They were indicted on the same to charges. After a lengthy series of motions and hearings, the narcotics charges were dismissed in favor of immigration charges. Two of the men pled guilty to one count each of unlawfully entering the United States from Mexico (8 USC 1325 (a)). They were sentenced to six months commitment with credit for time served. The third man pled guilty to illegal re-entry after deportation (8 USC 1326(a)), with sentencing enhancement pursuant to 8 USC 1326 (b) (1), and was sentenced to 19 months commitment with credit for time served and 36 months of supervised release. They will be deported upon completion of their sentences. [Susan Morton, Special Agent]
On November 11th last year, a tracking team comprised of protection rangers and an NPS special agent interdicted a group of suspected marijuana backpackers north of the international boundary. They'd tracked them for about seven miles before confronting them. Three smugglers were arrested and 193 pounds of marijuana recovered. The United States Attorney's Office declined prosecution, but the Pima County attorney took the case, filing felony charges against them for transportation of more than two pounds of marijuana for sale (Arizona Revised Statutes Title 13 Section 3405). Two of the three entered into plea agreements and were recently sentenced; the third person's case is still pending. C.V.-I. was sentenced to 60 months of "presumptive" state custody, with credit for 89 days already served, and ordered to pay $1,800 in fines or assessments. M.A.P.-A. was sentenced to 18 months of "mitigated" state custody, with credit for 118 days served, and also ordered to pay $1,800 in fines or assessments. Both will be under community supervision once released. On November 20th, rangers identified a group of ten suspected smugglers heading north from the boundary. As they approached, members of the group scattered and attempted to flee. Rangers arrested one man with a marijuana backpack and located seven other backpacks nearby. H.R.-M. H.R.-M.admitted to having been paid $1,000 to backpack a load of marijuana into the U.S. The total weight of the marijuana recovered came to 419 pounds. H.R.-M. subsequently entered a guilty plea in federal district court. In April, he was sentenced to 13 months in jail and three years' supervised release. [Brian S Smith, Special Agent in Charge, IMR]
On May 16th, R.D.L.C.-M., an illegal alien from Mexico, was sentenced to five years in an Arizona state prison and ordered to pay $1,775 in fines and assessments following his conviction for smuggling marijuana into the country. On November 11, 2007, a tactical tracking team comprised of protection rangers and an NPS special agent interdicted a group of suspected marijuana backpackers in the park. The men were tracked seven miles before rangers contacted and confronted them with the assistance of an Arizona National Guard helicopter. R.D.L.C.-M. and two other smugglers were arrested and 193 pounds of marijuana recovered. Due to local federal prosecution thresholds, the United States Attorney's Office declined prosecution, but the Pima County attorney took the case, filing felony charges against them for transportation of more than two pounds of marijuana for sale (Arizona Revised Statutes Title 13 Section 3405). R.D.L.C.-M.'s companions were sentenced a few weeks ago (see the link below for that report). Sentences for the three men totaled eleven-and-a-half years in prison. Upon release, all three will be transferred to federal custody for immigration proceedings. [Matt Fisher, NPS Special Agent]
Rangers and special agents spotted tracks crossing the border into the park last December 30th and began following them. They tracked nine people for more than six miles over rough terrain to a location north of the Baker mine. When the group stopped to rest, the rangers and agent moved in and arrested three smugglers at gunpoint, all illegal aliens from Mexico. Seven backpacks filled with about 330 pounds of marijuana were seized. On May 29th, R.C.-F. and A.A.-O. were convicted in U.S. District Court for possession of marijuana with intent to distribute (21 USC 841). Each was sentenced to 13 months and a day in federal prison, followed by two years of supervised probation. The third man, T.S.-V., has pled guilty to the same charges and will be sentenced in July. Upon release from prison, all will face deportation proceedings. [Matt Fisher, Special Agent]
Last June, rangers responded to a call for assistance from Border Patrol officers, who advised that they were chasing a vehicle headed toward the border within the park's boundaries. They joined the high-speed pursuit as it moved through the park, but discontinued upon determining that conditions were no longer acceptable for continuation of the chase. As the vehicle neared the border, the driver, J.C.Q.-S., swerved from the highway and hit a tree. Rangers and Border Patrol agents provided medical aid to six illegal aliens who'd been in the vehicle and chased J.C.Q.-S. on foot as he headed for the border. Rangers caught and arrested him just before he crossed into Mexico. J.C.Q.-S., himself an illegal alien from Mexico, admitted to driving the vehicle and to involvement in an illegal alien smuggling operation. The case was prosecuted federally. On October 17th, J.C.Q.-S. was sentenced to two years and three months in federal prison on charges of transporting illegal aliens for profit and placing the life of another in jeopardy, a class C felony. He will face deportation upon completion of his sentence and be barred from re-entering the United States. [Matt Fisher, Special Agent]
On April 7th, rangers came upon evidence that a group of marijuana smugglers had entered the park from Mexico and began tracking them. They followed the group for eight miles, then arrested seven smugglers and seized 195 pounds of processed marijuana with the assistance of air support from the Arizona National Guard. During subsequent interviews with an NPS special agent, all seven admitted involvement in the smuggling operation. The case was prosecuted by the Pima County Attorney's Office. On November 10th, that office reported that all seven had been convicted and sentenced to jail terms. V.M.-V. and H.L.-V. were each sentenced to a year in prison; C.M.-B., D.A.-B. and J.R.-H., were sentenced to 19 months; and J.G.-R. and F.R.-L. sentenced to 21 months. The defendants, all illegal aliens from Mexico, will serve their sentences in Arizona State Prison. Upon their release, they will be deported and barred from legal re-entry into the U.S. [Matt Fisher, Special Agent]
On November 11, 2008, Organ Pipe rangers discovered tracks consistent with those of cross-border contraband backpackers on the West Border Road approximately 10 miles west of the Lukeville Port of Entry. An NPS tactical tracking team followed the group approximately seven-and-a-half miles over rugged desert terrain, where rangers, assisted by a Customs and Border Protection helicopter and CBP officers, arrested eight backpackers at gunpoint. Rangers then conducted a search of the area and discovered a total of seven concealed contraband packs approximately 20 yards from the arrest location. The packs contained a total of just over 420 pounds of processed marijuana. A special agent from the NPS Investigative Services Branch provided investigative assistance, conducting Spanish language interviews with the suspects. Each admitted to participating in the marijuana smuggling operation. The case was accepted for federal prosecution and the eight were indicted in December 2008. The Ajo U.S. Border Patrol Station, Tucson DEA, and Tucson U.S. Attorney's Office were crucial in the prosecution of the case. On July 13th, two of the smugglers, J.R.B.-L. and G.B.-O., were sentenced after pleading guilty to possession with intent to distribute marijuana (21 USC §841(a)(1) and (b)(1)(D)). J.R.B.-L. was sentenced to two years (24 months) in federal prison and three years of supervised probation. G.B.-O. was sentenced to five years (60 months) prison time and four years supervised probation. The two face immigration proceedings upon release. Court cases are ongoing for the remaining six smugglers. [Matt Fisher, Special Agent]
On April 20th, rangers found evidence that a group of narcotics smugglers had entered the country west of the Lukeville port of entry on the park's border with Mexico. They began tracking the group, following them for several miles to an area near the park's center known as Senita Basin. There they arrested nine smugglers and seized more than 420 pounds of marijuana from their backpacks. A special agent from the Investigative Services Branch assisted with the investigation. All nine were prosecuted on charges of possession of marijuana with intent to distribute (21 USC 841) and conspiracy (21 USC 846). On September 17th, three of them were sentenced in federal district court. G.G.-M., L.V.-R., and A.T.-L. were each sentenced to 13 months in federal prison and 36 months supervised release. On September 28th, another three men pled guilty in court. E.T.-H. and C.B.-A. were each sentenced to 13 months in prison with 36 months supervised release; M.P.-A. was sentenced to 28 months in federal prison and 36 months supervised release. M.P.-A. had previously been convicted in Arizona state court for a prior marijuana smuggling event that occurred at Organ Pipe in 2007. At that time, rangers were forced to utilize a taser on M.P.-A., as he resisted arrest. The three remaining smugglers have pled guilty and await sentencing in October. [Matt Fisher, Special Agent]
On October 20th, L.T.-S., and A.L.C. each received 13 months federal prison time and 36 months supervised probation; F.M.-C. received 40 months prison time and 36 months supervised probation, with his sentence longer because of his lengthy criminal history. The three were members of a group of nine marijuana backpackers arrested near the Senita Basin area on April 20th. All nine were subsequently convicted on charges of possession of a controlled substance with intent to distribute and conspiracy. The careful documentation of evidence by rangers who tracked the group several miles through the desert led directly to the successful prosecution of the case. The nine were cumulatively sentenced to over 155 months of prison time and will face immigration proceedings upon completion of their sentences. [Matt Fisher, Special Agent]
On March 23rd, H.C.-N. was sentenced in federal district court to five years in prison and 36 months supervised probation for his involvement in a marijuana smuggling operation. H.C.-N. and seven others were arrested by Organ Pipe Cactus rangers last November in a tactical tracking operation; 420 pounds of processed marijuana were seized. Rangers asked for the investigative assistance of an NPS special agent and federal prosecution was secured. The eight smugglers received combined sentences of more than 19 years in federal prison. [Matt Fisher, Special Agent]
Rangers attending the 17th session of the National Park Service's special operations course were able to utilize their training during a two day deployment to Organ Pipe Cactus NM earlier this month. On April 2nd, they seized over 600 pounds of marijuana and arrested seven people within the park. With the assistance of the NPS special agent assigned to the border parks, felony charges were filed in federal court against the seven Mexican nationals. The two week session included over 120 hours of leadership, team building, tactical tracking and firearms applications and focused on resource protection skills. This year's course was funded by Intermountain Region and included border park rangers and IMR SETT team members. Upon graduation, rangers returned to their parks equipped with the skills to undertake complex and potentially hazardous field operations while working with partner agencies to accomplish the NPS mission. [Brent McGinn, Chief Ranger, Glen Canyon NRA]
Last December 21st, rangers detected a group of marijuana smugglers moving through the park. Despite the group's use of carpet overshoes designed to obscure their tracks, the rangers were able to track them for about five miles over rough terrain, then apprehend and arrest one member of the group. They also seized seven backpacks containing 369 pounds of processed marijuana. A special agent from the NPS Investigative Services Branch assisted with case investigation and federal prosecution. On July 28th, the man who was arrested was sentenced to three years in federal prison and three additional years' probation for violations of 21 USC 846 (possession of marijuana with intent to distribute). Upon completion of his prison term, he will be turned over to immigration officials and barred from legally re-entering the U.S. [Robert W. Mullikin, Special Agent in Charge]
Last July, rangers arrested seven smugglers and seized 375 pounds of marijuana near Ajo Mountain Drive during a tactical tracking operation. A special agent from the NPS Investigative Services Branch assisted rangers in the investigation of the case. ISB special agents from the Grand Canyon also joined in to provide assistance, given the large number of defendants. The defendants were prosecuted under violations of 21 USC. Between February 16th and March 4th, J.P.-B., E.F.-R., J.H.-I., T.V-G., J.M.-S., F.L.-G., and L.E.-G. each pled guilty and was sentenced to 13 months in federal prison and three years' probation. The seven will be remanded to federal immigration authorities upon their release for deportation proceedings. Ajo Mountain Drive, the area of the park where the smugglers were detected and apprehended, is one of the most frequently visited areas of Organ Pipe and is open year-round to visitors and employees. The utilization of NPS operational leadership principles resulted in the safe and successful detection and removal of these smugglers in keeping with the Service's mission to protect park visitors, employees, and resources. The United States Attorney's Office in Tucson, Arizona, the Drug Enforcement Administration, and U.S. Border Patrol provided outstanding cooperation and assistance throughout this case. [Investigative Services Branch]
Rangers using a thermal imaging device spotted a group of ten people with large backpacks crossing the desert near the park's visitor center last February 10th. When they moved to intercept the suspected smugglers, the men dropped their packs and fled. Rangers arrested F.J.F. at the scene. A total of eight large backpacks of marijuana weighing just over 360 pounds and another filled with food were seized along with two-way radios and solar charging panels. An NPS special agent responded and provided assistance with interviews and the investigation. On July 14th, F.J.F. was sentenced to 13 months and one day in federal prison on charges of possession of marijuana with intent to distribute. He'd previously pled guilty to the charge. [Matt Fisher, Special Agent]
While on helicopter patrol last January 3rd, rangers saw several people attempting to avoid detection in the Alamo Canyon area and noted that some of them were wearing what appeared to be large burlap covered backpacks consistent with those used in the area by smugglers to carry large loads of contraband and provisions. The rangers landed and moved to intercept them. Several fled, but they were able to capture three of them - I.A.-F., F.L.-V., and J.C.-G. - and seize 147 pound of processed marijuana. A special agent from the NPS Investigative Services Branch interviewed the three men, who told him that they'd been paid between $1500 and $1800 to run the drugs across the border. All three pled guilty in federal court over the course of this past summer. I.A.-F. was sentenced to 15 months in prison and the other two men each received sentences of 13 months in jail. Upon release, they'll be transferred to immigration officials for removal proceedings. [Robert W. Mullikin, Special Agent in Charge, Investigative Services Branch - Central]
On March 28th, rangers tracked a group of suspected drug smugglers into the Alamo Canyon area of the park, an area open to and frequented by visitors. The smugglers dispersed when approached by rangers, but two were caught and six backpacks with 291 pounds of processed marijuana were seized. The two men - O.S.-V. and J.M.B.-D. - were convicted of smuggling. Burgos-Diaz was sentenced to 13 months in federal prison earlier this year; on October 24th, O.S.-V. was sentenced to 24 months in federal prison. [Robert W. Mullikin, Special Agent in Charge, Investigative Services Branch - Central]
On November 22nd, rangers were involved in an interagency operation designed to disrupt criminal activity near the park's visitor center and employee housing area. Other agencies participating in the operation were the Arizona Army National Guard (air support), the border Patrol (seven agents from the Ajo Station, including two on horseback), and the Pima County Sheriff's Department (two deputies and a dog). The objective of this mission was to displace drug smuggling/alien trafficking organization scouts from the top of Twin Peaks, a mountain that provides a commanding view of a large portion of the south half of the park, including the employee housing area. Another objective was to remove infrastructure and garbage from the area. Rangers found solar panels, over 100 pounds of trash, and 52 pounds of abandoned marijuana on the mountain. This mission was a follow-up to a similar mission in March of this year which resulted in the apprehension of eight undocumented aliens and the removal of approximately 1,000 pounds of trash, including items such as car batteries, radio chargers, a large radio antenna, binocular parts, food packs, and sleeping equipment. This operation was accomplished under the umbrella of the High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area/Border Anti Narcotics Network (HIDTA/BANN). [Matthew D. Vandzura, Chief Ranger]
On March 3rd, a 63-year-old Alaska man who thought he was walking a loop trail on a day hike in the Estes Canyon area ended up atop 4,808-foot Mount Ajo, the park's highest peak, and was evidently unable to continue. Around 7:30 p.m., rangers received word from the Pima County Sheriff's Office that the hiker was off trail and lost in the Estes Canyon area. Rangers, Border Patrol agents, and a US Customs Service aircraft responded. The man had called 911 on his cell phone and reported he was unprepared to spend the night out. He told the sheriff's 911 dispatch that he had left the Estes Canyon/Bull Pasture Trail and had climbed to the very top of Mount Ajo. The pilot of the Customs aircraft confirmed the man's location but could not land nearby. Ranger Mark Wozniak and a Border Patrol agent hiked to Bull Pasture, where they found the man, who had made his way down from the mountain. He was in fairly good condition and walked out to the trailhead with minimal help. [Matt Vandzura, Chief Ranger]
Rangers intercepted two groups of smugglers within a week's time this month. The successful operations confirmed the park's joint strategy with the Border Patrol to aggressively respond to illegal activity near important park visitor use locations. As a result, they have pushed cross-border smugglers into territory away from one of the park's most popular spots for bird-watching and viewing of spring wildflowers. As recently as six months ago, lower reaches of Alamo Canyon were being used as illegal alien and narcotics smuggling routes. Joint efforts by NPS rangers and Border Patrol agents focused on putting remote sensors in place and stepping up responses to illegal activity there. On March 8th, rangers responded to NPS ground sensor transmissions and arrested 13 suspects and seized 529 pounds of marijuana. With help from Border Patrol agents, the rangers secured the suspects, documented evidence in the field, and walked them more than a mile out of the backcountry to Alamo Canyon Campground. They were then processed at the Border Patrol's Ajo Station north of the park and interviewed by special agents from the NPS and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), formerly known as Immigrations and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Eleven of the 13 suspects were turned over for prosecution by the US Attorney's Office. On March 15th, just a week later, four suspected smugglers were arrested in the same area, confirming the park's assessment that smugglers are moving out of the part of Alamo Canyon used by visitors. Such targeted enforcement actions enhance visitor and employee safety in the areas of the monument open to the public. [Matt Vandzura, Chief Ranger]
On March 1st, rangers rescued an undocumented alien in a remote desert area within the park. A second undocumented alien approached rangers on backcountry patrol with an urgent request - his sister lay sick and unconscious in a remote location and needed help. The rangers determined that the man had left his sister about four hours earlier and immediately began a ground search with assistance from a Customs helicopter. Less than an hour later, they found her. Although unconscious, she soon awoke and told the rangers that she'd become ill two days before and was suffering from abdominal pain with nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. She was carried to a park patrol vehicle and transported with EMS providers to rendezvous with an awaiting ambulance. At last report, the woman was doing well and expected to recover without complications. Both the man and his sister were turned over to the Border Patrol. [Matt Vandzura, Chief Ranger]
Rangers have responded to five wildfires within the park this month - one started by an arsonist and others suspicious. The park's engine and wildland firefighters have responded to and suppressed four of them: The Ranch House Fire destroyed the historic Pozo Well Ranch House before the crew arrived. A separate fire in the near vicinity was quickly suppressed by the crew. Forest Service and National Park Service fire investigators have determined that this fire was arson, as the presence of accelerants in the fire were identified. The chemical analysis was conducted by the Department of Defense through a cooperative agreement between the Southeast Arizona Group and the US Army. No suspects have been identified. A week later Border Patrol agents reported another wildfire, again near Pozo Well. This fire was ultimately mapped at 2.8 acres. The five ranger crew had to work significantly harder to contain and control it due to terrain challenges. The agent who provided security for the firefighters arrested an undocumented alien who walked up to the fire well after suppression activities had started. Investigators determined that this UDA was not responsible for the fire. One week later, Border Patrol agents reported a rapidly spreading fire near the international border east of the Lukeville Port of Entry. The agents had one person in custody, a suspected smuggler wearing carpet shoes. The fire consumed just over one acre. The investigation and evidence did not warrant charges being filed in this. A week later, ranger Nathan Burgess discovered a fire south of the Ajo Mountain Loop Road. During the size up, rangers were approached by an undocumented alien in severe medical distress. The man said he started the fire after being lost in the desert without food or water for three days. The man was evacuated by life flight. Rangers are not pursuing criminal charges against him. Rangers, resource management staff, and maintenance personnel - joined by Fish and Wildlife Service officers, Pima County Sheriff's Department deputies and a National Guard helicopter - returned to and contained this fire. The size of these fires and the number of starts is above average for the park. [Matt Vandzura, Chief Ranger]
Rangers rescued a dehydrated and hyperthermic undocumented alien from the backcountry of the park on June 6th. While conducting a backcountry patrol, the rangers observed debris in the roadway on Ajo Mountain Drive, tracked nearby footprints for a short distance, and came upon an unconscious, severely dehydrated and hyperthermic 58-year-old man. They immediately began treating him, providing IV fluids. When the man regained consciousness, he said that he'd crossed the border into the park from Mexico and was without food or water for three days. Other rangers helped transport the man to a waiting ambulance. Rangers and members of the US Border Patrol Search, Trauma and Rescue (BORSTAR) Unit have conducted several similar rescues in the park this year due to triple digit temperatures in the region. [Marshall Anderson, Supervisory Park Ranger]
Rangers recently apprehended five undocumented aliens and arrested a US citizen whose actions were consistent with a human smuggling ring operating out of California. On Sunday, June 30th, rangers conducted an observation post operation, watching Highway 85. They saw several suspected illegal aliens get into a SUV, which was stopped by other rangers near the park's visitor center. Five women, all illegal aliens, were hidden in the back of the small SUV under some camping equipment. The rangers at the observation post pursued and arrested a seventh person, believed to be the scout who guided the five women to the meeting with the driver of the SUV. This incident is an example of targeted enforcement based on recent trends in illegal trafficking that is part of daily operations at the park. [Matt Northcutt, Acting HIDTA/Liaison Ranger]
On the night of February 22nd, rangers responded to a report of visitors hearing screaming in Arch Canyon and began a hasty search along the established visitor trail with assistance from a Border Patrol agent. A Customs and Border Protection helicopter and high-altitude aircraft joined the effort. About 45 minutes later, two people were spotted from the aircraft, separated by a significant elevation gap. Rangers reached the first person, who was uninjured, and escorted her down to the visitor trail while the agent attempted to find and reach the second person, who was suffering from injuries sustained in a fall of from 20 to 30 feet. She was found a short time later. Other rangers responded with a litter, medical equipment and SAR equipment. Due to darkness, terrain and the number of personnel engaged, rangers decided to keep the woman comfortable and stay with her throughout the night. At first light, more rangers arrived on scene along with US Border Patrol agents from the Ajo Station and the Border Patrol Search, Trauma & Rescue (BORSTAR) Team. The joint team began a high-angle rescue operation, lowering the injured woman from a cliff into a more open area. The rescuers were joined by an Arizona Department of Public Safety helicopter, which short-hauled the woman out of the canyon on a 150-foot line. She was then flown via medical helicopter to a Tucson hospital, where she was treated for two fractured legs, a fractured clavicle and multiple abrasions and lacerations. This incident was executed using assets from the NPS, Border Patrol, Arizona Department of Public Safety and Native Air Ambulance Service. [Marshall Anderson, Supervisory Park Ranger]
Rangers saved the life of a coworker in the library of the Kris Eggle Visitor Center last week. Rangers received an in-person report that a man had collapsed in the library. They found one of the park's volunteers conscious and breathing, but with a slightly altered level of consciousness. A local ambulance was requested. While monitoring the man and obtaining his history, he suddenly stopped breathing and became pulseless. Ranger Jeff Quam immediately started CPR while Rangers Nathan Puskar and Matt Vandzura attached an AED. Quam's compressions resulted in a return of pulse, respirations, and semi-consciousness. The ailing volunteer was transferred to Ajo Ambulance and then to Air Evac Five for transport to Banner Estrella Hospital in Phoenix. Within four days, he was back at the park, outfitted with a pacemaker. He's been cleared to begin working again in a couple of weeks. [Matt Vandzura, Chief Ranger]
The park has seen an increase in the number of migrants and smugglers attempting to cross the U.S.-Mexico border within the park boundaries. U.S. Border Patrol has increased its presence in the park. Source: FOX5 | |