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Border Patrol agents arrest 23, seize $326,500 in marijuana during multiple incidents

Release Date
Tue, 02/03/2015

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.

Last Modified: Feb 03, 2021

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