Border Patrol arrests 6 suspected smugglers

Yuma Sector Border Patrol agents arrested six suspects Sunday evening who allegedly were carrying a total of 528 pounds of marijuana.

According to Agent Kyle Estes of the Yuma Sector Public Affairs Office, at about 9 p.m., agents using night vision equipment discovered a group of subjects carrying large backpacks near Gila Bend.

Agents apprehended the group and seized the narcotics they reportedly were carrying. Five of the men were Mexican nationals; a sixth was a citizen of Honduras.

The marijuana had an estimated value of $264,000.

Yuma-area residents 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 can remain anonymous.

James Gilbert can be reached at jgilbert@yumasun.com or 539-6854. Find him on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/YSJamesGilbert or on Twitter @YSJamesGilbert.