YUMA, ARIZ.—Border Patrol agents from Yuma Sector's Wellton Station seized approximately 150 pounds of marijuana, valued in excess of $75,000, and apprehended four suspected smugglers Thursday morning.
Agents patrolling 14 miles west of Gila Bend intercepted the small group carrying large rectangular backpacks of marijuana through the desert. The suspects all Mexican nationals, and marijuana were turned over to the Maricopa County Sheriff's Office.
Arizona-based Border Patrol agents have made significant progress combating transnational criminal organizations by impacting their ability to transport contraband farther into the United States, and ensuring smugglers face stiff federal penalties for their actions. In Arizona, the probability of being detected and the consequences of doing so are higher than ever before.