BP nabs 7 alleged smugglers, seizes $360,500 in marijuana

U.S. Border Patrol agents from Yuma Sector arrested seven suspected drug smugglers and seized 721 pounds of marijuana during three separate weekend incidents.

According to agent Kyle Estes of the Yuma Sector Communications Division, agents located three abandoned backpacks in the Cabeza Prieta National Wildlife Refuge on Saturday.

The backpacks contained 131 pounds of marijuana.

Later that same day, agents working south of Gila Bend found another 305 pounds of abandoned marijuana. In a third incident Monday, agents intercepted and apprehend seven suspected smugglers carrying a combined 285 pounds of marijuana through the wildlife refuge.

The total estimated value of the three seizures was $360,500.

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.