6 suspected smugglers, 12 illegal immigrants arrested

From staff reports | Updated Yesterday

Yuma Sector Border Patrol agents arrested six suspected drug smugglers, seized 313 pounds of marijuana worth an estimated $156,500 and apprehended 12 illegal immigrants during several incidents on Wednesday.

During one incident, agents patrolling in the Cabeza Prieta National Wildlife Refuge reportedly observed a group of individuals walking through the desert carrying large backpacks. When an Air and Marine helicopter responded to the area, the six individuals reportedly dropped their backpacks and attempted to flee. Agents apprehended all of them and then backtracked their trail to the six backpacks, which allegedly contained marijuana.

The suspected smugglers and pot were transported to the Wellton Station for processing.

During several other incidents throughout southwest Yuma County on Wednesday, 12 illegal immigrants were picked up after crossing the border. Two of the illegal immigrants were Brazilian, four were Guatemalan, five were Romanian and one was from India.

According to a press release, the Yuma Sector has observed an overall increase in illegal immigration originating from countries other than Mexico recently.

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