YUMA, Ariz. – Yuma Sector Border Patrol agents assigned to the Wellton station caught two different groups smuggling a total of 218 pounds of methamphetamine though the desert on Sunday.
At approximately 2:30 a.m., agents detected a group of five traversing through the desert south of Dateland, Arizona. Upon apprehending the group, agents discovered that three of their backpacks contained plastic containers with packaged methamphetamine. The methamphetamine weighed a total of 120 pounds and had an estimated street value of $216,000.
At approximately noon, agents detected another group in the same general area. After tracking the second group, agents apprehended a group of five carrying almost 98 pounds of methamphetamine in their backpacks, worth an estimated $176,000.
Agents arrested the individuals from both groups and seized the methamphetamine.
“The narcotic smugglers will continue to take advantage of the immigration influx at the border, and the men and women of Yuma Sector will remain watchful while protecting our communities and the nation from these horrible drugs,” said Chief Patrol Agent Chris T. Clem. “Border security is national security.”
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.
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