MS-13 gang member nabbed near Andrade
Yuma Sector Border Patrol agents seized 66 pounds of marijuana and arrested an MS-13 gang member during separate incidents Saturday.
According to Agent Spencer Tippets of the Yuma Sector Public Affairs Office, Wellton Station agents were patrolling near Gila Bend early Saturday morning when they discovered two people carrying large backpacks walking in the desert.
Tippets said agents apprehended the pair and discovered the backpacks were filled with approximately $33,000 worth of marijuana. The marijuana was seized for destruction. The suspects, both Mexican nationals, were processed for removal.
Then on Saturday evening, Yuma Station agents patrolling near Andrade, Calif., saw four people enter the country illegally.
“The area they entered is between the port of entry at Andrade and the Colorado River,” Tippets said.
He said agents responded on all-terrain vehicles and apprehended the group. During processing, said Tippets, agents learned one of the subjects was a Honduran national and a member of the MS-13 gang. He was last deported in April and is being held for prosecution.
Customs and Border Protection officials welcome assistance from the community. Citizens can report suspicious activity and remain anonymous by calling the Border Patrol toll-free at 1-866-999-8727.
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.
