YUMA, Ariz. — Yuma Sector Border Patrol agents seized 1,447 pounds of marijuana, worth almost $724,000, and apprehended 24 individuals during four separate weekend incidents.
Beginning Friday, agents on patrol near Wellton observed a group of individuals walking north toward Interstate 8. Agents responded and found five men sitting on several burlap sacks filled with marijuana. Agents continued searching the area and located four others attempting to abscond to Mexico. All nine men admitted to entering the U.S. illegally. Agents transported 11 bundles of marijuana, weighing 509 pounds and worth an estimated $254,750, and suspects to Wellton Station for further processing before turning them over to Maricopa County Sheriff's Office.
Again on Friday, agents assigned to Camp Grip, Yuma Sector’s forward operating facility, tracked and located five individuals with three backpacks of marijuana – 182.4 pounds worth an estimated $91,200. All five men admitted to entering the U.S. illegally and, along with their marijuana, were processed and turned over to the Yuma County Sheriff's Narcotics Task Force.
On Sunday, agents assigned to Camp Grip apprehended two adult subjects and one minor found with five bundles of marijuana weighing approximately 256 pounds. The adults, along with the drugs valued at an estimated $128,000, were turned over to the Yuma County Narcotics Task Force.
Again on Sunday, agents patrolling near Gila Bend observed seven individuals approaching Interstate 8 with large bundles. Agents arrived on scene and arrested the group found transporting seven backpacks of marijuana – approximately 500 pounds – valued at $250,000. All seven subjects and their marijuana were turned over to the Maricopa County Sheriff's Office for prosecution.