YUMA, Ariz. – Yuma Sector Border Patrol agents assigned to the Wellton Station arrested a United States citizen after he was caught attempting to smuggle methamphetamine Tuesday.
At approximately 8 p.m., Wellton Station agents performed a vehicle stop on a 2007 silver Chevrolet Cobalt at the intersection of Avenue 22E and County 8th Street in Dome Valley. After a subsequent search of the vehicle, agents discovered 61 packages of methamphetamine concealed in the driver and passenger side doors and side rear quarter panels. The combined weight of the narcotics was 67 pounds, and valued at nearly $203,000.
The 18-year-old male driver, a United States citizen from Coolidge, Arizona was arrested for drug-related charges. The vehicle and narcotics were seized.
Wellton Station Patrol Agent in Charge Kevin Villegas stated, “This outstanding apprehension by our agents highlights our need to maintain an enforcement posture on routes that bypass the Immigration Checkpoint on Interstate 8.” He continued, “This is a substantial amount of dangerous drugs that will not hit the streets of our community.”
Federal law allows agents to charge individuals by complaint, a method that allows the filing of criminal activity charges without inferring guilt. An individual is presumed innocent unless or until competent evidence is presented to a jury that establishes guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
Yuma Sector Border Patrol agents effectively combat smuggling organizations attempting to illegally transport people and contraband through southwestern Arizona and California. Citizens can help the Border Patrol and U.S. Customs and Border Protection by calling 1-866-999-8727 toll-free to report suspicious activity. Callers can remain anonymous.