Border Patrol Seizes SUV Loaded with Marijuana

December 31, 2009): Yuma, Ariz. – Border Patrol agents intercepted a drug smuggling attempt and seized more than 900 pounds of marijuana early today near San Luis, Ariz. Border Patrol agents in Arizona were able to chase down this Ford Bronco and seize almost a thousand pounds of marijuana that was loaded in the back cargo area.

At about 1:30 a.m., Border Patrol agents assigned to the Yuma Station observed a 1989 Ford Bronco drive up to the primary border fence several miles east of the San Luis, Ariz. port of entry. When the vehicle stopped near the fence, several individuals who had been waiting atop the fence loaded large bundles into the vehicle.

The driver then sped away from the border at a high rate of speed. Despite attempts by the driver to blend in with local traffic, Border Patrol agents spotted the Bronco and attempted to stop the vehicle. The driver failed to yield to the agents’ emergency equipment and then turned around and headed back toward the border.

Agents successfully deployed a tire deflation device, flattening three of the vehicle’s tires. The vehicle eventually came to a stop just north of the border fence where the driver and two other occupants exited the Bronco and climbed the fence into to Mexico to evade arrest.

Agents discovered 34 plastic-wrapped bundles of marijuana stuffed inside the vehicle. A total of 929 pounds of marijuana with an estimated street value of $743,200 was seized. The marijuana and Ford Bronco were turned over to the Drug Enforcement Administration.

During the month of December, Yuma Sector Border Patrol agents prevented more than 5,000 pounds of marijuana from being delivered to American streets.