Border Patrol agents seize $161K in drugs

Yuma sector Border Patrol agents in the Blythe area arrested a suspected drug smuggler and seized about $161,000 worth of cocaine, heroin and methamphetamine Thursday.

The incident began at a checkpoint on Highway 95 near Quartzsite when agents referred the driver of a white Jeep Cherokee to enter the secondary inspection lane after a working dog alerted them to the possible presence of contraband within the vehicle.

Upon further inspection, agents allegedly located five packages of cocaine, three packages of heroin and two packages of methamphetamine hidden inside the vehicle's four-wheel-drive transfer case.

The narcotics, stimulant, vehicle and suspect were turned over to the Yuma County Narcotics Task Force.