Yuma Sector agents seize large cache of dangerous drugs at checkpoint
Wellton Station agents seized more than $445,000 in narcotics and arrested a U.S. citizen, during an attempt to smuggle the drugs through a Border Patrol checkpoint.
Agents made the discovery of drugs after they stopped the male U.S. citizen at the Border Patrol checkpoint on the eastbound side of Interstate 8, east of Yuma. Acting on the vehicle driver’s nervous behavior and his delivery of conflicting information, the agents directed him to secondary inspection. A Border Patrol canine alerted to the spare tire of the vehicle located underneath the bed of the truck. A subsequent search of the spare tire lead to the discovery of 53 pounds of methamphetamine, almost 22 pounds of cocaine, and two pounds of black tar heroin. The drugs have a combined value exceeding $445,000.
“Last night’s seizure is an example of the outstanding work the men and women of Yuma Sector do every day to protect our community and the citizens of this great Nation,” says Acting Chief Patrol Agent Mario Villarreal. “Were it not for the checkpoint and the commitment of the Border Patrol agents manning it, a significant amount of dangerous drugs would find their way into the inner-cities of our country and feed those who are helpless against their addictions.”
The suspect, narcotics, and vehicle were processed per Yuma Sector guidelines.
Yuma Sector Border Patrol agents 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.
Douglas CBP Officers seize $104K in marijuana
Customs and Border Protection officers at the Raul Hector Castro Port of Entry in Douglas, Arizona arrested a 33-year-old man from Agua Prieta, Sonora, Mexico, in connection with a failed attempt to smuggle more than 200 pounds of marijuana into the United States July 13.
After officers referred the man for a secondary inspection of his Ford SUV, a CBP narcotics-detection canine alerted to the presence of drugs. Officers then removed multiple packages of marijuana found throughout the vehicle’s interior and exterior, to include the headliner, seats, doors and a front tire.
Officers seized the drugs and vehicle, and turned the subject 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.
Lukeville CBP Officers find $369K in drugs
U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers at Arizona’s Port of Lukeville arrested an Arizona man on Monday (July 11) after finding nearly 739 pounds of marijuana inside of his recreational vehicle.
Officers referred a 52-year-old Snowflake, Ariz. man for a secondary inspection of his RV on Monday afternoon. During the search officers uncovered nearly 739 pounds of marijuana, valued at close to $369,000. The drugs were concealed within a non-factory compartment built into the interior steps.
Officers seized the drugs and motor home, and turned the subject over to U.S. 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.
