YUMA, Ariz. – Blythe Station Border Patrol agents arrested three U.S. citizens and one illegal alien from Mexico with two backpacks filled with methamphetamine and a stolen firearm near the Highway 95 Immigration Checkpoint early Thursday.
At approximately 1:10 a.m., agents observed two individuals walking around the checkpoint. The individuals then loaded into a 1993 GMC Sierra, already occupied by two U.S. citizens, and traveled north on the highway. Agents performed an immigration stop on the vehicle and discovered that the two subjects observed walking were a U.S. citizen and Mexican national unlawfully present in the United States. Inside the vehicle 22.2 pounds of methamphetamine was discovered in two backpacks along with a stolen 9 mm handgun. The narcotics have an estimated street value of $66,600.
All four subjects were arrested for transportation of a controlled substance. The individuals range in age from 21 years old to 25 years old.
Federal law allows agents to charge individuals by complaint, a method that allows the filing of charges for criminal activity without inferring guilt. An individual is presumed innocent unless and until competent evidence is presented to a jury that establishes guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
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.