Border Patrol agents operating infrared cameras noticed several individuals illegally crossing into Arizona using a sewer outlet near Douglas on Friday. The Douglas Station’s bike patrol went to the sewer system and saw one person carrying two bundles that were suspected to be marijuana.

That person was wearing a wet suit and scuba gear and was wading through waist-high water with the bundles. The person saw the agents, dropped the bundles and began wading back toward Mexico and the other people spotted by the Border Patrol also fled and were not found.

Officials say the marijuana weighed 55 pounds and had an estimated street value of $44,000.

The Justice Department’s Beureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives advises students to avoid certain parts of northern Mexico over the upcoming holiday because of safety concerns.

The Los Angeles division of the bureau has been warning specifically about travel to Tijuana and Rosarito Beach because both cities have seen an increase in drug-fueled violence.

The State Department also warns travelers to Mexico to avoid areas of prostitution and drug-dealing as well as other commonsens precautions.

Authorities are easing their stance on travel to one Mexican resort area.  Earlier this month travel warnings for Mexico were issues by the three state Universities.  However Federal and state officials say the popular resort area of Puerto Penasco or Rocky Point, has not had an upswing in violence like other areas in Northern Mexico.

Arizona Attorney General Terry Goddard says safety concerns for Puerto Penasco are not as serious as other border areas like Nogales, Juarez and Tijuana.  Goddard says the highway to the area is heavily patrolled by Mexican officials who have an interest in keeping Puerto Penasco safe for visitors.

Tourists are still advised to use caution when traveling in Mexico.  Suggestions include traveling during daylight hours and always letting other people know where you will be.