YUMA – Agents assigned to the Wellton Border Patrol Station arrested nine individuals and seized more than 700 pounds of marijuana, worth in excess of $350,000, during two incidents Monday.
Agents were tracking footprints south of Tacna, Arizona, and caught up with nine smugglers carrying more than 340 pounds of marijuana.
Later in the day, agents assigned to Wellton Border Patrol’s forward operating base, Camp Grip, discovered more than 370 pounds of marijuana abandoned south of Dateland, Arizona.
All individuals and drugs are being processed in accordance with Yuma Sector guidelines.
Federal law allows agents 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 or until competent evidence is presented to a jury that establishes guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
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.
