Border Patrol Seizes Nearly 600 Pounds of Pot

Two Suspected Smugglers Arrested

Yuma, Ariz. — Border Patrol agents from Yuma Sector seized nearly 600 pounds of marijuana during three incidents Tuesday, valued in excess of $293,500.

Wellton Station agents patrolling south of Gila Bend followed footprints of individuals traveling through the desert that led to two suspects carrying 310 pounds of marijuana valued at $155,000. The suspects, both Mexican nationals, were apprehended and processed for removal.

Wellton Station agents assigned to Camp Grip, Yuma Sector’s forward operating base, seized two bundles of abandoned marijuana weighing 66 pounds and valued at $33,000. The bundles were first spotted from a helicopter by an Air Interdiction agent. A search of the area turned up no suspects.

Yuma Station agents patrolling near County 12th Street and the Colorado River observed three individuals carrying large backpacks. As agents approached their location, the suspects dropped their backpacks and fled toward Mexico. Agents secured the area and discovered the backpacks were filled with a total of 211 pounds of marijuana, worth $105,000.

Yuma Sector has been effective in combating smuggling organizations attempting to transport contraband through southwestern Arizona. The probabilities of arrest and associated penalties cause smugglers to often abandon their drug loads rather than risk apprehension and prosecution.

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.