BP nabs 32 suspects in six separate incidents

March 12, 2013 5:39 PM
BY JAMES GILBERT @YSJamesGilbert

U.S. Border Patrol agents from the Yuma Sector arrested a total of 32 suspected drug smugglers and seized a total of 1,430 pounds of marijuana in six separate incidents on Monday.

According to Agent Kyle Estes, of the Yuma Sector Communications Division, in the early morning hours an agent discovered 180 pounds of marijuana in eight abandoned bundles on the eastern portion of the Cabeza Prieta National Wildlife Refuge.

Hours later, other agents using night vision equipment apprehended a group of nine smugglers near mile marker 18 on State Route 85. The group, all male Mexican nationals, were carrying a total of 216 pounds of marijuana.

Then at about noon, agents arrested a group of 11 suspected drug smugglers they had been tracking. The individuals in the group were carrying 463 pounds of marijuana in makeshift backpacks. Ten of the 11 smugglers were Mexican nationals who were illegally present in the country while the 11th was a United States citizen.

Later in the evening, agents found footprints near mile marker 97 on Interstate 8 and began following them. Agents eventually encountered and apprehended two illegal entrants from Mexico who were carrying 49 pounds of marijuana.

Agents working south of Gila Bend also apprehended two more groups of illegal aliens. The first group consisted of five suspected smugglers carrying 192 pounds of marijuana. The second group also included five suspected of packing in 330 pounds of marijuana. Both groups were comprised of Mexican nationals.

The marijuana had a total estimated worth of $715,000.

Yuma area residents 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.

BP nabs 32 suspects in six separate incidents | marijuana, pounds, group - YumaSun