Border Patrol agents working near the immigration checkpoint on Arizona 80 near Tombstone found more than just the dearly departed inside a hearse on Saturday β€” 67 pounds of marijuana.

Agents working near the checkpoint noticed a white hearse traveling north of Tombstone and conducted an immigration vehicle stop at Arizona 82 and Arizona 90. After questioning the driver, a drug-sniffing dog was requested and alerted to an odor coming from the hearse. Agents removed a casket and found more than $33,000 worth of marijuana inside. Mixed in with the drugs were several bags of marijuana designed to mask the odor of the pot.

The hearse and drugs were seized. The driver, a 28-year-old man from the United States, was arrested on suspicion of drug smuggling.

Border Patrol agents working an immigration checkpoint in southern Arizona say they've 67 pounds of marijuana that was being smuggled inside of a casket.

Agency officials say a hearse carrying the casket was stopped Saturday evening on Arizona 80 near Tombstone.

They say a canine unit was brought in after the hearse driver gave inconsistencies in his story.

The drug-smelling dogs alerted agents despite several bags of manure that had been placed inside the casket in an attempt to conceal the marijuana odor.

Border Patrol officials say the seized marijuana has an estimated street value of more than $33,000.

They say the 28-year-old driver was arrested and is facing narcotics smuggling charges.

Authorities say the man is a U.S. citizen. His name still hadn't been released by Monday.


Become a #ThisIsTucson member! Your contribution helps our team bring you stories that keep you connected to the community. Become a member today.