YUMA, Ariz. – U.S. Border Patrol agents working at the Interstate 8 Immigration Checkpoint seized bulk cash and nearly $90K in methamphetamine and approximately 22K fentanyl tablets during two separate events over the weekend.
Friday afternoon, Wellton Station agents referred a Mercedes sedan to the secondary inspection area following a Border Patrol canine alert. Agents discovered methamphetamine, marijuana, heroin, drug paraphernalia, and $11,000 in cash inside the vehicle. The driver, a 30-year-old U.S. citizen from Temecula, California, was arrested for possession of a controlled substance. The narcotics, cash, and vehicle were seized.
Sunday morning, agents observed a suspicious vehicle traveling through Dome Valley. Agents performed a vehicle stop and a Border Patrol canine alerted to the spare tire of the vehicle. Agents discovered 26 packages of methamphetamine and two other packages of pills. The methamphetamine had a weight of nearly 39 pounds and an estimated value of $89,000. The approximately 22,000 pills tested positive for fentanyl. The driver, a 27-year-old Mexican national, was arrested for transportation of a controlled substance.
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.
