Yuma Border patrol agents seize marijuana, heroin in seperate incidents

U.S. Border Patrol agents assigned to the Yuma Sector seized more than half a ton of marijuana and more than $1 million dollars in heroin during the past two days.

Agents assigned to the Wellton station were patrolling the desert west of the Gila Mountains Friday morning when they discovered tire tracks crossing into the United States.

Agents followed the vehicle's tire tracks 100 yards north of the International Boundary fence and found an abandoned white 2008 Ford F-250.

Clearly visible in the bed and passenger compartment of the truck were multiple bundles of marijuana wrapped in packing tape.

The marijuana weighed 1,029 pounds and has an estimated street value of $823,200. Agents transported the marijuana to the Wellton Border Patrol station where it was turned over to the Drug Enforcement Administration.

The vehicle, according to records checks, had been reported stolen out of Yuma and was turned over to the Yuma County Sheriff's Office.

The heroin was seized at a Border Patrol checkpoint on Highway 95, north of Yuma on Thursday.

Agents assigned to the Blythe station discovered the heroin after a canine team conducted a cursory inspection of the vehicle and alerted to it, indicating the likely presence of narcotics or people hidden inside.

The vehicle, a convertible being driven by an 18-year-old woman, was then searched by agents who found a false compartment in the vehicle that contained 11 bundles of heroin.

The 11 bundles of heroin, with a combined weight of 30 pounds, have an estimated street value of $1,024,500. The heroin, the driver and the vehicle were all turned over to the Drug Enforcement Administration.

To report suspicious activity, contact the Yuma Sector Border Patrol's toll free telephone number at 1-866-999-8727.

James Gilbert can be reached at jgilbert@yumasun.com or 539-6854 .