YUMA – Yuma Sector Border Patrol agents arrested five individuals and seized cocaine, methamphetamines, almost 2,000 pounds of marijuana, and multiple vehicles during separate weekend incidents.
Blythe Station agents seized more than 30 pounds of cocaine and 15 pounds of methamphetamines on Dec. 10 with a combined value exceeding $390,000. The seizure occurred after a canine team alerted to a vehicle at the Border Patrol immigration checkpoint on Highway 95. Agents found the drugs in a self-made compartment within the vehicle.
Yuma Station agents seized more than 1,500 pounds of marijuana, valued in excess of $750,000, near County 11th Street and the Colorado River area on Dec. 11. Agents responding to a pickup truck seen earlier illegally entering the United States, followed the driver as he attempted to return to Mexico. The driver then crashed the vehicle into a closed gate near the border and, along with an undisclosed number of occupants, fled on foot to Mexico.
Wellton Station agents apprehended six individuals from Mexico on Dec. 12 after they illegally entered the United States carrying backpacks of marijuana, weighing a combined 500 pounds, valued at an estimated $250,000.
All individuals, drugs and vehicles were processed per 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.
