Yuma News Now

Douglas, Arizona - Customs and Border Protection field operations officers at the Douglas port of entry seized over $225,000 in marijuana and arrested a previously deported man for attempting entry false claiming to United States. The three seizures and arrest occurred within a 12-hour period.

The day began shortly after 4 a.m. on Monday when a CBP officer screening incoming vehicles became suspicious of the driver of a 1993 Chevrolet pickup. Based on his answers to routine questions and discrepancies with the vehicle the CBP officers searched the vehicle thoroughly and discovered two metal boxes inside the gas tank. Upon removal of the gas tank 95 pounds of marijuana were discovered. The driver, a 34-year-old U.S. citizen, was arrested and turned over to Immigration and Customs Enforcement for further investigation.

Just before 11 a.m. that same day, CBP officers seized more than eight pounds of marijuana and arrested a 28-year-old male from Mesa, Arizona, after finding five packages of the drug hidden inside the engine compartment of a 2003 Dodge Ram he was driving.

The immigration violation arrest occurred shortly after 3 p.m. when a CBP officer referred a 48-year-old male pedestrian and citizen of Mexico for further examination. The male traveler attempted entry claiming U.S. citizenship. CBP officers conducted queries to verify the citizenship claim and discovered that the male traveler was a Mexican citizen who had previously been deported for numerous federal and state violations. CBP officers arrested the citizen of Mexico on charges of making a false claim to U.S. citizenship and processed him for expedited removal with prosecution.

At around 4:30 p.m., CBP officers also seized almost 38 pounds of marijuana and arrested a 53-year-old male and Lawful Permanent Resident after finding nine packages of the drug hidden inside the spare tire of a 2004 Ford F-150.

The marijuana has an estimated street value of $225,702.00.