NOVEMBER 11, 2015
Border Report
Douglas CBP Officers seize $253K in marijuana
Customs and Border Protection officers arrested two people in separate incidents Nov. 4 at the Raul Hector Castro (RHC) Port of Douglas, and seized just more than 506 pounds of marijuana. Officers arrested Yaneli Denisse Valencia-Gallardo, 32, of Agua Prieta, Sonora, Mexico, after finding more than 274 pounds of marijuana, worth more than $137,000, hidden throughout her Ford SUV. Officers also arrested Thomas A. Reade, 26, of McNeal, Arizona, after a CBP narcotics-detection canine alerted to the presence of drugs within McNeal’s Suzuki SUV. Officers found more than 232 pounds of marijuana, worth an estimated $116,000, concealed within the vehicle’s engine compartment and tires. Officers seized all drugs and vehicles, and turned both subjects over to Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations. Federal law allows officers to charge individuals by complaint, a method that allows the filing of charges for criminal activity without inferring guilt. An individual is presumed innocent unless and until competent evidence is presented to a jury that establishes guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. CBP's Office of Field Operations is the primary organization within Homeland Security tasked with an anti-terrorism mission at our nation’s ports. CBP officers screen all people, vehicles and goods entering the United States while facilitating the flow of legitimate trade and travel. Their mission also includes carrying out border-related duties, including narcotics interdiction, enforcing immigration and trade laws, and protecting the nation's food supply and agriculture industry from pests and diseases.
Imposter arrested for using another’s U.S. Passport
Border Patrol agents arrested an imposter Nov. 1 for fraudulently using another person’s valid U.S. Passport. A male Mexican national was travelling through Wellton Station’s eastbound immigration checkpoint on Interstate 8, east of Yuma, when the arrest took place. He claimed to be a U.S. citizen and presented a valid U.S. passport that agents determined belonged to another person. He then admitted to paying 500 pesos for the document. The subject will be processed per Yuma Sector guidelines. Yuma Sector Border Patrol agents effectively combat smuggling organizations attempting to illegally 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 can remain anonymous.
Border Patrol Agents arrest 8 illegal aliens, seize 679 pounds of marijuana
Border Patrol agents arrested eight subjects and seized 368 pounds of marijuana, Oct. 30, south of Interstate 8, near Gila Bend. The value of the drugs was estimated at $184,000. In a second incident, agents seized 311 pounds of abandoned marijuana, worth an estimated $155,500, while patrolling near Camp Grip, Yuma Sector’s forward operating base. All subjects and drugs will be processed per Yuma Sector guidelines. Yuma Sector Border Patrol agents effectively combat smuggling organizations attempting to illegally 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 can remain anonymous.
Nine smugglers apprehended, 700+ pounds of drugs seized YUMA, Ariz.
Sector Border Patrol agents arrested nine Mexican nationals and seized 714 pounds of marijuana during separate incidents Oct. 28. Agents made the apprehensions and seizure while patrolling near Tacna and Camp Grip, Yuma Sector’s forward operating base. Officials estimate the drugs are worth approximately $357,000. All of the subjects and drugs will be processed per Yuma Sector guidelines. Yuma Sector Border Patrol agents effectively combat smuggling organizations attempting to illegally 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 can remain anonymous.
