December 6, 2012
By JAMES GILBERT
Yuma Sun

U.S. Border Patrol agents from the Yuma Sector's Wellton Station arrested an armed suspect and seized 395 pounds of marijuana during two separate incidents.

Agent Spencer Tippets of the Yuma Sector Public Affairs Office said early Thursday morning that agents patrolling south of Sentinel tracked and apprehended seven suspects who had been traveling through the desert on foot while carrying approximately 257 pounds of marijuana.

On Wednesday, agents patrolling near Gila Bend located three suspects carrying large, rectangular backpacks filled with marijuana. One of the suspects, he said, was carrying a loaded 9 mm handgun.

“It's not uncommon for drug smugglers to be armed,” Tippets said. “We don't see it every day but we have to assume, especially when drugs are involved, because of the value they have in the minds of the smugglers. So we have to assume that there are weapons present any time drugs are present.”

Tippets said agents were able to apprehended the group without incident. The drugs, with a total weight of 138 pounds, and valued at $69,000, were seized for destruction.

The suspects are being held for prosecution.

Tippets explained the job of a Border Patrol agent is inherently dangerous. But due to working in remote locations and a majority of the arrests they make happening during the night and early morning, it makes the job even more dangerous.

“We always hope that nothing ever happens to where somebody is injured, but we always have to be prepared for that type of circumstance,” Tippets said.

Customs and Border Protection officials welcome assistance from the community. Citizens can report suspicious activity to the Border Patrol and remain anonymous by calling 1-866-999-8727, toll free.

Border Patrol agents arrest armed suspect, seize drugs, Yuma - News - YumaSun