Yuma Border Patrol agents arrest 10 drug smugglers, seize 950 pounds of marijuana

Published on Wednesday, 17 April 2013 20:00
Written by Border Scope

Yuma, Arizona - U.S. Border Patrol agents from Yuma Sector arrested 10 drug smugglers and seized 950 pounds of marijuana in two days.

Monday, agents working near the Granite Mountains on the Cabeza Prieta National Wildlife Refuge found a trail of footprints heading north. Agents followed the tracks and discovered two men hiding in brush with backpacks filled with a combined 136 pounds of marijuana.

Yesterday morning, agents working southwest of Gila Bend used night vision equipment to locate a group smuggling backpacks of marijuana through the desert. Once the group realized they had been discovered, they dropped the backpacks and ran. Agents apprehended five of the men, all Mexican nationals illegally in the U.S., and seized a combined 409 pounds of marijuana. The five men, now facing prosecution, and narcotics were turned over to the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office.

Yesterday afternoon, agents saw a second group of drug smugglers near Gila Bend. A Border Patrol canine team tracked the group and, within 30 minutes, apprehended three Mexican nationals smuggling 405 pounds of marijuana.

The total estimated worth all seized marijuana was $475,000.

The Border Patrol’s Yuma Sector effectively combats smuggling organizations attempting to transport contraband through southwestern Arizona. Citizens 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

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