Agents seize $342,000 in marijuana
U.S. Border Patrol agents from the Yuma Sector's Wellton Station seized approximately 685 pounds of marijuana and arrested two suspected drug smugglers early Monday during separate incidents.
According to Agent Spencer Tippets of the Yuma Sector Public Affairs Office, agents were patrolling east of Gila Bend early that morning when they found 12 abandoned bundles of marijuana, weighing approximately 277 pounds, hidden along Interstate 8.
After an exhaustive search, said Tippets, agents were unable to locate anyone in the area. The marijuana, valued at $138,500, was seized for destruction.
Tippets said later that morning, agents patrolling north of Gila Bend located a black sport utility vehicle parked along a canal. Large bundles of marijuana were clearly visible inside the vehicle.
Agents followed footprints leaving the area and apprehended two people. The marijuana, weighing 408 pounds and worth an estimated $204,000, the SUV and suspects were turned over to Maricopa County Sheriff's Office.
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.
