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  4. Yuma Sector Arrests U.S. Citizen Caught Smuggling $440K Worth of Drugs at Checkpoint

Yuma Sector Arrests U.S. Citizen Caught Smuggling $440K Worth of Drugs at Checkpoint

Release Date
Mon, 02/24/2020

YUMA, Ariz. – Wellton Station Border Patrol agents working at the Interstate 8 Immigration Checkpoint arrested a United States citizen attempting to smuggle methamphetamine, cocaine, and heroin Friday.

A U.S. Border Patrol canine alerted to a Chevrolet Cruz on Friday morning with a single occupant attempting to travel through the checkpoint.

Agents seized $440K worth fo Hard Drugs at the I-8 Immigration Checkpoint
Agents seized $440K worth fo Hard Drugs
at the I-8 Immigration Checkpoint

Agents directed the vehicle to the secondary inspection area where a search led to the discovery of a false compartment in the floorboard containing numerous packages. More than 100 packages were recovered—methamphetamine weighing more than 103 pounds, cocaine weighing more than 10 pounds, and heroin weighing nearly four pounds.  The combined estimated street value of the narcotics is approximately $440,000.

The driver, a 24-year-old United States citizen male from Avondale, Arizona, was in possession of a Secure Electronic Network for Travelers Rapid Inspection (SENTRI) card, which provides expedited processing at the U.S.-Mexico border for pre-approved travelers who are considered low risk.   

The subject was arrested on drug smuggling charges, and the narcotics, vehicle and SENTRI card were seized.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection is the unified border agency within the Department of Homeland Security charged with the management, control and protection of our nation's borders at and between official ports of entry. CBP is charged with securing the borders of the United States while enforcing hundreds of laws and facilitating lawful trade and travel.

Last Modified: Feb 03, 2021