YUMA, Ariz. – Yuma Sector Border Patrol agents working the Highway 78 and Highway 95 immigration checkpoints seized 31.4 pounds of methamphetamine, and apprehended nine people in multiple smuggling events Tuesday.
At approximately 2:50 p.m., Blythe Station agents at the Highway 78 checkpoint performed an immigration inspection on a silver Honda City with five occupants. Agents identified the four passengers as illegal aliens from Mexico. The driver was a lawful permanent resident from Panama. All five subjects were arrested for immigration violations.
At approximately 7:05 p.m., agents working the same checkpoint referred a white Chevy Cruze with three occupants to the secondary inspection area for further inspection. Agents discovered methamphetamine wrapped around the midsections of two of the passengers. The five pounds of narcotics have an estimated street value of $15,000. All three subjects, U.S. citizens, were arrested for narcotics smuggling.
At approximately 9:40 p.m., Blythe Station agents at the Highway 95 immigration checkpoint referred a gray Toyota Corolla to the secondary inspection area for further investigation. Agents discovered 26.4 pounds of methamphetamine concealed in the spare tire and door panels of the vehicle. The narcotics have an approximate street value of $79,200. The driver, a U.S. citizen from San Luis, was arrested for narcotics smuggling.
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.
