YUMA, Ariz. – Yuma Sector Border Patrol agents assigned to the Wellton Station seized 10 pounds of fentanyl and over two pounds of cocaine in an attempted drug smuggling event Monday afternoon at the immigration checkpoint on Interstate 8.
nearly $200,000 of narcotics Monday.
At approximately 1:40 p.m., a U.S. Border Patrol canine alerted to a 2006 Dodge Charger with a single male occupant attempting to travel through the checkpoint. Agents directed the vehicle to the secondary inspection area for further investigation. A search of the vehicle yielded two packages of cocaine and 10 packages of fentanyl concealed inside the dashboard. Nine of the fentanyl packages contained pills while one consisted of powder. The cocaine had an estimated street value of $40,000 while the fentanyl was worth over $150,000.
The driver, a 43-year-old resident of Phoenix, was arrested on drug smuggling charges. The narcotics and the vehicle were seized.
Yuma Sector Border Patrol agents continue to intercept drug smugglers attempting to transport mixed loads of narcotics into the interior of the United States. In this case, agents seized a sedative drug and a stimulant drug. Polysubstance use is a significant predictive risk factor in overdose deaths. Mixing drugs increases the risk to the user and may cause the person to overestimate their tolerance to a certain 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. Reporting illicit activity could result in saving someone’s life.