Marijuana launch: Cannon used to shoot 85 pounds of pot into US, Border Patrol says

(CBS/AP) YUMA, Ariz. - U.S. Border Patrol agents said 33 cans of marijuana were spotted Friday in what they believe was a creative way to smuggle drugs in the country by shooting them out of a cannon.

Authorities said the cans were discovered in a field near where the Colorado River crosses the U.S.-Mexico border. They believe the cans were launched about 500 feet into the U.S. using a pneumatic-powered cannon.

After searching the area, agents recovered a carbon dioxide tank.

Authorities said Border Patrol agents in the Yuma sector near the Arizona-California border are adapting and shifting resources as smugglers come up with new ways of transporting their contraband.

The 85 pounds of marijuana found in the cans had an estimated value of $42,500.

Mexican authorities were also notified and searched their side of the border.