Border Patrol seizes hidden marijuana at checkpoint
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May 19, 2010 12:51 PM
BY JAMES GILBERT - SUN STAFF WRITER

U.S. Border Patrol agents from the Yuma Sector's Wellton station seized several bundles of marijuana and arrested a drug smuggler Tuesday at the checkpoint on Interstate 8 near Dateland.

According to Yuma Sector spokesman Agent Shaun Kuzia, a woman in a Pontiac Grand Prix drove into the checkpoint's primary inspection area just after midnight.

Kuzia said a Border Patrol canine team alerted to the vehicle, indicating the likely presence of narcotics or people hidden inside the vehicle.

Agents then referred the vehicle to secondary inspection, where they discovered eight plastic-wrapped bundles of marijuana hidden inside the Pontiac’s spare tire.

Approximately 34 pounds of marijuana with an estimated street value of $27,440 was seized by the agents.

Agents arrested the woman and turned her over to the Yuma County Narcotics Taskforce along with the vehicle and marijuana.

Kuzia said the increased manpower, infracture and technology in the Yuma Sector has caused the drug smuggling operations to change their tactics and methods of trying to smuggle drugs.

One of the ways they have been doing that, Kuzia said, is by trying to hide drugs in hidden compartments, gas tanks and spare tires.

"This is one of the tactics they have been using recently, hoping to pass through our checkpoints undetected," Kuzia said.

Since Oct. 1, 2009, Yuma Sector agents have seized nearly 25,000 pounds of marijuana.

James Gilbert can be reached at jgilbert@yumasun.com or 539-6854.


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