Border Patrol Agents Arrest Drug Smuggler Attempting to Circumvent Traffic Checkpoint

YUMA, Ariz. – Yuma Sector Border Patrol agents arrested a male Mexican national -- later determined to be in the U.S. illegally -- attempting to circumvent the traffic checkpoint on I-8, east of Yuma, Thursday.

Agents observed a pickup truck circumventing the checkpoint by passing through Dome Valley.  While following the vehicle, the man began driving erratically and failed to negotiate a turn; crashing into supporting cables of a high-tension power line.  The driver fled the scene but was soon apprehended. 

During a subsequent search of the vehicle, agents discovered and seized approximately 403 pounds of marijuana, valued at more than $200,000, in the truck’s cabin and inside a tool box in its cargo bed.

The suspect, narcotics and vehicle were processed per Yuma Sector guidelines.