YUMA, Ariz. — Yuma Sector Border Patrol agents assigned to Wellton Station seized 653 pounds of marijuana, worth an estimated $326,500, and arrested 23 suspects during separate incidents recently.
Agents working near Dateland tracked a group of suspected smugglers Jan. 30 and found five burlap backpacks of marijuana – 239 pounds valued at $119,500 – hidden under a tree. Agents then searched the area and located six individuals hiding nearby.
Agents this morning (Feb. 3) saw 10 men, carrying large rectangular backpacks, approach a farm utility vehicle and place the backpacks in the bed of a truck. When agents arrived at the location, the men ran in different directions but were eventually apprehended. Agents seized the backpacks, filled with marijuana weighing 210 pounds and valued at $105,000. Agents also discovered and seized a .308 caliber rifle from inside the vehicle’s cab.
In a third incident (Feb. 2), an Office of Air and Marine aircrew from Yuma Air Branch advised agents working near Cabeza Prieta Wildlife Refuge that they saw a group of men hiding next to rectangular backpacks. Agents responded and arrested seven suspects found with backpacks containing a total of 204 pounds of marijuana worth approximately $102,000.
All subjects, marijuana, rifle, and the vehicle was processed per Yuma Sector guidelines.