Yuma Sector Arrests Illegal Aliens Backpacking Meth Through Desert
Yuma Sector Arrests Illegal Aliens Backpacking Meth Through Desert
Release Date: May 28, 2020
YUMA, Ariz. – Yuma Sector Border Patrol agents from Wellton Station apprehended a group of seven illegal aliens transporting crystal methamphetamine through a remote area of the desert Wednesday.
Wednesday evening, Wellton Station agents encountered seven subjects, all Mexican nationals illegal present in the United States, just south of Interstate 8 west of Gila Bend. Agents located a backpack containing a secure two-way radio and three plastic containers of crystal methamphetamine.
The total weight of the narcotics was nearly four pounds with an estimated street value of $7,100.
The narcotics were seized and the seven backpackers were referred for criminal prosecution.
Apprehending desert backpackers with narcotics can be a challenge since illegal aliens apprehended in the desert often claim they are making the trek across the desert in search of jobs and opportunities, when in actuality, many are repeat narcotics backpackers. These individuals attempt to conceal themselves with camouflage to make detection difficult.
Additionally, they often attach carpet to their shoe to conceal their footprints. In an attempt to avoid drug charges, backpackers frequently hide narcotics in the vast desert when apprehension becomes imminent.
https://www.cbp.gov/newsroom/local-m...through-desert
