YUMA, Ariz. – Yuma Sector Border Patrol agents assigned to the Wellton Station’s Interstate- 8 (I-8) Immigration Checkpoint arrested a Mexican National last week previously convicted of first-degree murder. Agents also seized more than $137,000 in narcotics during three weekend incidents.
On August 31, agents observed six individuals illegally the U.S. near County 16th and Colorado River. Four of those persons were carrying large bundles of suspected contraband. During the subsequent arrests, agents tallied the bundles to be at approximately 204 pounds of marijuana, valued at more than $102,000.
Approximately 90 minutes later at the I-8 Immigration Checkpoint, agents searched a 2006 Chrysler 300 driven by a Phoenix man and found 22 packages of methamphetamine hidden in the dashboard. The packages had a combined weight of almost 12 pounds, worth more than $35,000.
In a third incident Saturday, Yuma Station agents arrested Andres Cevilla-Julio, a 50-year-old Mexican National, after he entered the U.S. illegally near San Luis. Records discovered during processing revealed Cevilla-Julio was previously convicted of first-degree murder in Salt Lake City, and served 20-years in prison.
Agents took all individuals into custody and seized all contraband and vehicles.
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 transport people and contraband through southwestern Arizona and California illegally. 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 may remain anonymous.
