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

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.

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