YUMA, Ariz. – Yuma Sector Border Patrol agents seized more than 47 pounds of methamphetamine at the Interstate 8 immigration checkpoint Saturday morning.
A U.S. Border Patrol canine assigned to checkpoint duties alerted to an odor it was trained to detect emitting from a 2006 Honda Civic with a single occupant in the primary inspection lane at approximately 9 a.m.
Wellton Station agents conducted a secondary inspection of the vehicle where they found 45 vacuum-sealed packages of methamphetamine in the vehicle’s rear quarter panels. The methamphetamine had an estimated street value of over $157,000.
of a smuggling vehicle
The male driver, a 26-year-old Lawfully Admitted for Permanent Residence (LAPR) from Mexico, with a Yuma, Arizona address was arrested on drug smuggling charges. The narcotics and the vehicle were seized.
Drug smugglers attempting to transport deadly drugs into the interior of the United States will use anyone to transport their product with no regard to legal consequences for those involved. LAPRs can legally be deported if they violate certain U.S. immigration laws. LAPRs can be placed into removal proceedings if convicted of two separate crimes categorized as a "crime of moral turpitude," or a single aggravated felony.
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.