YUMA, Ariz. – U.S. Border Patrol agents working at the Interstate 8 Immigration Checkpoint seized more than $126K in an attempted smuggling event Wednesday afternoon.
At approximately 1:20 p.m., Wellton Station agents working the checkpoint referred a gray 2005 Honda Odyssey to the secondary inspection area following a Border Patrol canine alert to the vehicle.
Agents discovered 50 packages of methamphetamine hidden in the rear bumper area of the vehicle. The narcotics weighed approximately 55 pounds, and have an estimated value of $126,500. After further questioning by agents, it was discovered that the meth was on its way to Phoenix, where it would have put 100,000 doses of illicit drugs into the community.
The 32-year-old female driver and 17-year-old female passenger, both U.S. citizens from San Luis, were arrested for the transportation of a controlled substance. The narcotics and vehicle were seized.
Routes used by transnational criminal networks to smuggle illegal aliens are commonly used to smuggle illicit narcotics, such as meth, into the interior of the country. In 2017, according to the National Center for Health Statistics, methamphetamine was the fourth most common drug involved in U.S. overdose deaths, killing almost 10,000 people across the country. The Yuma Sector Border Patrol utilizes a wide array of counter-network operations as well as a multiple strategically placed checkpoints to help stem the tide of all products being smuggled by the TCNs.
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.
