Border agents arrest three, seize pot
FROM STAFF REPORTS
June 20, 2007 - 12:03AM
Border authorities seized pot worth $86,000 and arrested three people late Monday night in two separate incidents.

The drugs were discovered around 10 p.m. Monday after National Guardsmen near Andrade, Calif., saw three people emerge from the brush along a pond with large duffle bags in tow, according to a news release from U.S. Customs and Border Protection. The suspects were seen approaching a nearby vehicle and returning to Mexico empty-handed.

Border Patrol agents found the vehicle traveling north on Algodones Road, but upon seeing the agents, the vehicle turned and headed toward the U.S.-Mexico border. According to the statement, the driver realized that the border gates were closed and quickly exited the vehicle, which struck the gates and caused minor damage.

The driver attempted to climb the international border fence, but was apprehended by border patrol agents and arrested.

The duffle bags were found inside the vehicle and contained 100 pounds of marijuana, which was deemed to be worth an estimated $86,000.

Just 30 minutes earlier, also near Andrade, a guardsman supporting Operation Jumpstart alerted the border patrol about several people who entered the U.S. illegally near the port of entry and entered a waiting vehicle. According to the statement, agents found the vehicle on Interstate 8 and followed it into Yuma. The vehicle exited at 16th Street, ran a red light, and evaded agents after entering a residential area at 13th Street and Pacific Avenue.

Officers with Yuma Police Department discovered the vehicle abandoned a little later. Two people were found hiding nearby, according to the statement, and they were turned over to agents who determined the suspects to be in the U.S. illegally. ---

Darin Fenger can be reached at dfenger@yumasun.com or 539-6860.

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