CBP Border Patrol Agents Seize More Than Half-Ton of Marijuana

Agents take nearly $1 million of dope off streets, recover stolen vehicle
Friday, May 26, 2006

Yuma, AZ. — Last night, U.S. Customs and Border Protection Border Patrol agents of the Yuma Sector observed a truck illegally cross into the United States east of San Luis and subsequently seized over 1,100 pounds of marijuana.

At 11 p.m., agents observed a 2002 Chevrolet Avalanche illegally cross into the United States east of San Luis, Arizona. Upon seeing agents the vehicle turned around and attempted to return to Mexico. When the vehicle became disabled in deep sand the driver and two occupants fled on foot back into Mexico. Border Patrol agents responded to the area and discovered 1,123 pounds of marijuana in the truck. The marijuana, worth an estimated $898,800, and the vehicle were turned over to the Drug Enforcement Administration. The vehicle had been reported stolen on May 14, 2006 in Yuma.

Since October 1, 2005, CBP Border Patrol Agents in the Yuma Sector have seized 32,728 pounds of marijuana valued at more than $26 million. If you see or hear any suspicious activity of interest to the Border Patrol, you are encouraged to call toll free 1-866-999-USBP (8727).