Border Patrol forward operating base provides frontline security
Posted: Jul 02, 2010 5:17 PM CDT
Updated: Jul 02, 2010 5:59 PM CDT
Brian Pryor

WELLTON, Ariz. (KGUN9-TV) - U.S. Border Patrol agents arrested 10 suspected smugglers and seized more than a quarter million dollars of marijuana in two unrelated incidents this week.

On Sunday, Border Patrol agents assigned to Camp Grip detected the illegal entry of 10 suspected smugglers about 15 miles west of Lukeville, Ariz. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Office of Air and Marine pilots initially spotted the group and guided agents on the ground to their location.

Agents apprehended eight suspected smugglers with two returning to Mexico to avoid arrest. Agents also seized six makeshift backpacks filled with marijuana weighing a total of 260 pounds with an estimated street value of $208,000. The contraband and illegal aliens were transported to the Wellton Border Patrol Station for processing in accordance with sector guidelines.

On Thursday, Border Patrol agents assigned to Camp Grip detected the illegal entry of an all-terrain vehicle (ATV) west of Lukeville, Ariz. Agents tracked the ATV and with the assistance of a CBP Office of Air and Marine pilot intercepted the ATV and two riders.

The ATV was loaded with bundles of marijuana weighing 165 pounds with an estimated street value of $132,000. One of the smugglers, a Mexican juvenile, was transported to the Wellton Border Patrol Station along with the ATV for processing. The other smuggler, an 18-year old Mexican citizen, and the seized marijuana were turned over to the Maricopa County Sheriff's Office.

To report suspicious activity, contact the Yuma Sector Border Patrol's toll free telephone number at 1-866-999-8727


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