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Yuma Sector’s Immigration Checkpoints Continue to Interdict Human and Narcotics Smuggling

Release Date
Tue, 08/28/2018

YUMA, Ariz. – Yuma Sector Border Patrol agents working at Immigration Checkpoints on Highway 78 and Interstate 8 arrested three people during two smuggling incidents Monday, involving more than half-a-million dollars in hard narcotics.

At approximately 2:30 p.m., Blythe Station agents referred the driver of a 2002 Mercury Milan for a secondary inspection after a Border Patrol canine alerted to an odor it was trained to detect emitting from the vehicle. During the subsequent search, agents found 96 packages of methamphetamine and heroin hidden throughout the vehicle. In all, agents seized more than 120 pounds of narcotics valued in excess of $525,000. Agents seized the vehicle and drugs, and arrested the driver, identified as a 38-year-old Mexican national with legal permanent residence in the United States.

Border Patrol ideintified three back seat passnegers were in the country illegally.
Border Patrol identified 3 back seat
passengers were in the country illegally.

The second incident occurred at approximately 8:45 p.m., when Wellton Station agents referred the driver of a 2016 Honda Accord for a secondary immigration inspection. As a result, agents identified the three rear-seat passengers were Mexican nationals unlawfully present in the country. They are being processed for immigration violations. 

The 35-year-old driver and 36-year-old front-seat passenger are both U.S. citizens. The driver is from Sacramento, Calif.  The passenger is from San Bernardino, Calif.  Both were arrested for alien smuggling and harboring. Agents also found approximately 14.5 grams of meth in the vehicle.

The Border Patrol seized the narcotics and vehicle.

Federal law allows agents to charge individuals by complaint, a method that allows the filing of criminal activity charges without inferring guilt. An individual is presumed innocent unless or until competent evidence is presented to a jury that establishes guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.

Yuma Sector Border Patrol agents effectively combat smuggling organizations attempting to transport people and contraband illegally through southwestern Arizona and California. Citizens can help the Border Patrol and U.S. Customs and Border Protection by calling 1-866-999-8727 toll-free to report suspicious activity. Callers may remain anonymous.

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 the official ports of entry. CBP is charged with keeping terrorists and terrorist weapons out of the country while enforcing hundreds of U.S. laws.

Last Modified: Feb 03, 2021