Yuma Sector agents make series of arrests, seize more than 1,000 pounds of narcotics

Agents with the Yuma Sector Border Patrol recently apprehended multiple individuals over separate incidents in connection with cocaine, methamphetamine and marijuana trafficking.

On Dec. 10, Blythe Station agents seized more than 30 pounds of cocaine and 15 pounds of methamphetamine, which carried an approximate street value of $390,000. The seizure occurred as a canine investigative unit alerted agents during a routine immigration check along Highway 95. The agents discovered the narcotics within a hidden compartment in the vehicle.

The following day, Yuma Station agents responded to a call of a possible illegal vehicle crossing. As agents intercepted the driver, they followed him as he attempted to return to Mexico. Prior to reaching the Mexican border, the driver crashed his vehicle and attempted to flee on foot, which led to his capture. After a brief inspection of the vehicle, the agents discovered more than 1,500 pounds of marijuana, which carried an approximate street value of $750,000.

The final incident occurred as Wellton Station agents responded to a call of six individuals illegally entering the country on Dec. 12. When agents intercepted the group, they were found to have been carrying backpacks of marijuana, weighing approximately 500 pounds when combined. The marijuana carried an approximate street value of $250,000.

All of the individuals, drugs and vehicles were seized and processed in accordance with Yuma Sector guidelines.

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 the nation’s borders at and between the official ports of entry.