WELLTON: Yuma Sector agents seized approximately 376 pounds of marijuana and arrested 26 individuals east of Yuma, in separate incidents over a five-day period.
The first incident occurred when agents arrested eight people after the driver of a vehicle attempted to circumvent the checkpoint after he drove through Dome Valley. Agents initiated a traffic stop and discovered seven occupants were Mexican nationals in the U.S. illegally. The driver was a United States citizen.
Later, a Yuma Sector K-9 team assigned to the checkpoint alerted to a vehicle occupied by two United States citizens. A search of the vehicle yielded 144.9 pounds of marijuana, worth an estimated $72,450.
Agents conducted a vehicle stop in Dome Valley. Immigration checks revealed 11 men and two women were in the country illegally. That was the second time in less than a week that agents arrested a large number of illegal immigrants in Dome Valley.
In another incident that Wellton agents tracked a group of suspected illegal immigrants and, with the assistance of an Office of Air and Marine helicopter, located five backpacks of marijuana, and arrested three individuals, all Mexican nationals. The 231.3 pounds of marijuana was valued at $115,650.
All suspects and contraband were transported to Wellton Station for processing per Yuma Sector guidelines.
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.
