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Arizona Border Patrol Agents Seize Heroin, Arrest 2 at Checkpoint

Release Date
Wed, 05/05/2010

Wellton, Ariz. - U.S. Border Patrol agents from the Yuma Sector arrested two women Tuesday who were attempting to smuggle heroin through the Border Patrol checkpoint on Interstate 8 near Dateland, Ariz.

The smuggling attempt was thwarted at about 2 p.m. when a Border Patrol canine team alerted to a shuttle van at the checkpoint's primary inspection area. The vehicle was referred for secondary inspection and all 11 occupants exited the van so agents could investigate. The Border Patrol canine team then discovered packages of heroin hidden inside a cooler. Two of the van's occupants, both U.S. citizens, claimed ownership of the dangerous drugs and were arrested by Border Patrol agents.

The packages, which were shaped like the sole of a tennis shoe, contained approximately five pounds of heroin and are worth an estimated street value of $166,720.

Border Patrol agents turned the two women and heroin over to the Drug Enforcement Administration. The driver and remaining occupants were released.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection is the unified border agency within the Department of Homeland Security charged with the management, control and protection of our nation's borders at and between the official ports of entry. CBP is charged with keeping terrorists and terrorist weapons out of the country while enforcing hundreds of U.S. laws.
Last Modified: Feb 03, 2021