Agents arrest suspected drug smuggler with 89 pounds of pot

U.S. Border Patrol agents from Yuma Sector's Wellton Station arrested a Mexican national Tuesday on Interstate 8 near mile marker 76.

According to Agent Kyle Estes of the Yuma Sector Public Affairs Office, the suspected drug smuggler was found within sight of the freeway with several bundles of marijuana, which had a combined weight of 89 pounds and an estimated value of $44,500.

Estes said that whenever a suspect is apprehended this close to a freeway they are usually waiting to be picked up. He added that given the number of bundles of marijuana the suspected smuggler was found with, it is reasonable to assume that there may have been others at one time because one person could not have carried them all.

However, when agents searched the area, no other smugglers were found.

Yuma County 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.