11 suspected smugglers arrested
Yuma Sector Border Patrol agents arrested 11 suspected drug smugglers and seized 488 pounds of marijuana during two separate weekend incidents.
According to Agent Kyle Estes of the Yuma Sector Communications Division, agents apprehended the first group of suspected drug smugglers Friday night south of the Camino Del Diablo trail in the Cabeza Prieta National Wildlife Refuge.
Estes said there were four suspected drug smugglers in the group and that they were carrying a combined 265 pounds of marijuana.
Early the next day, Estes said agents intercepted a second group of seven suspected drug smugglers who were also trying to cross the wildlife refuge. They were carrying a combined 223 pounds of marijuana.
The total estimated value of the two seizures was $244,000.
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.
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.
