YUMA, Ariz. – Wellton Station U.S. Border Patrol agents working at the Interstate 8 immigration checkpoint Friday afternoon arrested a United States citizen attempting to smuggle fentanyl through the checkpoint in a shuttle van.
At approximately 1 p.m., U.S. Border Patrol agents referred a shuttle van to the secondary inspection area for an immigration check. While in secondary, a Border Patrol canine alerted to one of the bench seats and a backpack that was located there. Agents determined that the backpack, which contained two packages with a total of 2.015 pounds of fentanyl pills valued at approximately $29,000, belonged to a 37-year-old U.S. citizen.
passenger on a shuttle van
stopped by agents in Yuma
Agents arrested the male passenger and seized the narcotics.
Smuggling organizations often use public transportation, such as shuttle vans, to move drugs through the country and, more specifically, through immigration checkpoints due to the anonymity it affords. Smugglers attempt to blend in with other passengers and will deny ownership of bags in which drugs are discovered. In addition to being an inexpensive method of transportation for the smuggling organization, the smugglers do not risk having their own vehicles seized.
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.