YUMA, Ariz. – Yuma Sector Border Patrol agents, with the assistance of Cabeza Prieta National Wildlife Refuge officers, seized three backpacks in the desert containing 60 packages of methamphetamine.
Friday morning, Cabeza Prieta officers patrolling approximately 30 miles west of Ajo encountered three individuals walking in the desert. The smugglers dropped their backpacks and fled eastbound into the desert, towards the mountains. Border Patrol agents recovered the backpacks, which contained numerous packages of a controlled substance. The narcotics in the backpacks were weighed and tested revealing methamphetamine weighing approximately 61 pounds with an estimated street value of over $140,000.
The narcotics were seized for destruction.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection officials welcome assistance from the community. Individuals can report suspicious activity to the Border Patrol and remain anonymous by calling 1-877-872-7435 toll free. Reporting illicit activity could result in saving someone’s life.