CBP U.S. Border Patrol Arrests Smugglers Seize 733lbs. of Marijuana

Yuma, Ariz. — Customs and Border Protection Yuma Sector U.S. Border Patrol agents assigned to Wellton Station seized approximately 733 pounds of marijuana in three separate incidents, valued in excess of $367,000.

On January 10, agents patrolling southeast of Gila Bend discovered eight bundles of abandoned marijuana hidden under thick brush. The marijuana, weighing approximately 231 pounds and worth an estimated $115,750, was seized for destruction per Yuma Sector guidelines.

On January 11, agents assigned to Camp Grip, Yuma Sector’s forward operating base, located footprints indicating a group of individuals had crossed into the United States illegally. Agents tracked the footprints to six subjects and began searching the area for more suspects. During the search, agents found six makeshift backpacks containing marijuana.

The marijuana, weighing 273 pounds and worth nearly $137,000, was seized for destruction. The subjects were arrested and processed for removal.

On January 12, agents patrolling near Sentinel detected a group of six individuals traveling on foot through the desert and wearing large rectangular backpacks. Agents apprehended the group and discovered the backpacks were filled with marijuana.

The marijuana, weighing 229 pounds and worth $114,600, was seized for destruction. The subjects were taken into custody and processed for removal.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection is the unified border agency within the Department of Homeland Security charged with the management, control and protection of our nation's borders at and between the official ports of entry. CBP is charged with keeping terrorists and terrorist weapons out of the country while enforcing hundreds of U.S. laws.