Calexico, Calif. - Yesterday, U.S. Border Patrol agents from the Calexico Station arrested two smugglers and five illegal aliens after they attempted to transport more than 190 pounds of marijuana across the U.S.-Mexico Border.
The incident occurred around 4:30 p.m., after Border Patrol agents operating a remote video surveillance system detected a group of suspected illegal aliens swimming north across the All American Canal. After the individuals exited the All American Canal on the north bank the group was then seen carrying large bundles, the group then loaded the bundles into a Nissan Versa sedan. Nearby agents were notified and immediately responded to the incident as the driver of the vehicle attempted to leave the area.
Border Patrol agents conducted a vehicle stop and were able to see the bundles of suspected marijuana in the vehicle. Other agents in the immediate area located an additional bundle and apprehended the five remaining suspected illegal aliens. The sedan was subsequently searched and agents discovered 191 pounds of marijuana valued at an estimated $150,360.
The driver was identified as a male United States Citizen. The passenger and the five individuals were identified as Mexican citizens without legal immigration documents. They were all arrested and turned over to the Drug Enforcement Administration along with the sedan and marijuana.
The El Centro Sector's Community Awareness Campaign is a simple and effective program to raise public awareness on the indicators of crime and other threats. We encourage public and private sector employees to remain vigilant and play a key role in keeping our country safe. Please report any suspicious activity to the Border Community Threat Hotline at (800) 901-2003.