YUMA, Ariz. – In separate events Thursday, Yuma Sector Border Patrol agents stopped two vehicles transporting drugs into the United States from Mexico and seized 2,884 pounds of marijuana worth more than $1.4 million.
Yuma Border Patrol agents seized 1925 lbs. of marijuana from an abandoned truck that had crashed into a vehicle gate southwest of Yuma.
Agents noticed vehicle barriers were breached and saw a vehicle moving at a high rate of speed from an area near County 14 ½ along the Colorado River. At the same time, they noticed subjects running toward Mexico from the same area. The vehicle then crashed into a vehicle gate at County 11 ½ and the river trail in an apparent attempt to flee to Mexico. The driver and occupants then absconded across the border to avoid capture. When agents approached the vehicle, they found a truck loaded with bundles of marijuana in the bed and cab. A records check of the vehicle revealed no registered owner and no theft reports.
Another section of vehicle barriers, along the Colorado River near County 17 was also breached when a second vehicle illegally drove into the United States. However, the vehicle became disabled on rocks and the occupants escaped to Mexico. Agents approached the vehicle and found several bundles of marijuana inside. Record checks revealed the vehicle and license plate had both been reported stolen.
Both vehicles and drugs were seized and processed per Yuma Sector guidelines.