YUMA, Ariz. – Yuma Sector Border Patrol agents from the Wellton Station arrested a U.S. citizen at the Interstate 8 immigration checkpoint on Sunday after they literally unwrapped more than 35 pounds of marijuana.
Agents referred the driver of Jeep Grand Cherokee to the secondary inspection area after a canine alerted to the vehicle at approximately 8:30 p.m. During an inspection of the vehicle, agents discovered three gift-wrapped boxes in the rear cargo area. Agents unwrapped the boxes and discovered 29 vacuum-sealed packages containing marijuana. As they searched the remainder of the vehicle, agents also found a plastic bag that contained marijuana, drug paraphernalia, a handgun and corresponding ammunition and nearly $2,000 in cash.
The Yuma County Narcotics Task Force took custody of the U.S. citizen and the marijuana, drug paraphernalia, handgun, ammunition, cash and vehicle.