YUMA – Yuma Sector Border Patrol agents, assisted by an Air and Marine Operations aircrew, apprehended 20 male illegal aliens with more than 300 pounds of marijuana.
Agents using surveillance technology in the desert west of Gila Bend, Arizona spotted the men carrying large backpacks and headed toward Interstate 8. Agents advanced on the group and arrested 11 men from Honduras, eight from Mexico, and one from Nicaragua. The subjects were all wearing camouflage and carpet on their shoes; tactics commonly used by transnational criminal organizations attempting to evade detection.
Agents seized the marijuana, valued at more than $150,000, and arrested the individuals for narcotics smuggling. All subjects and drugs were processed in accordance with Yuma Sector guidelines.
Yuma Sector Border Patrol agents effectively combat smuggling organizations attempting to transport people and contraband through southwestern Arizona and California. Citizens can help the Border Patrol and U.S. Customs and Border Protection by calling 1-866-999-8727 toll-free to report suspicious activity. Callers may remain anonymous.
