http://sun.yumasun.com/artman/publish/a ... _17162.php

Border Patrol seizes 800 pounds of marijuana near Winterhaven

FROM STAFF REPORTS
Jun 10, 2005

U.S. Border Patrol agents from the El Centro sector seized more than 800 pounds of marijuana from an abandoned vehicle Thursday morning near Winterhaven, according to a Border Patrol news release.

The agents, from the Calexico station, were patrolling the Imperial Sand Dunes Recreation Area when they observed a 1999 GMC Yukon, escorted by five all-terrain vehicles, crossing the border into the United States. When the vehicles spotted the Border Patrol agents, they attempted to flee south back into Mexico, but the Yukon got stuck in the sand.

The driver abandoned the vehicle and hopped onto one of the ATV's.

When agents reached the vehicle, they found several large bundles of marijuana inside. The bundles contained a total of 801.8 pounds of marijuana with a street value of $641,440, according to the release.

A records check revealed that the Yukon previously had been reported stolen to the Yuma County Sheriff's Office. The vehicle was turned over to the Calexico Police Department.

The marijuana was turned over to the Drug Enforcement Administration.

Just another one of those 'usual' news stories you'll be reading for now on. Thanks to our lack of border control.