Yuma News Now

Yuma, Arizona - Utilizing radar technology, Border Patrol agents from the Yuma Station thwarted an aerial smuggling attempt.

This morning, at about 4:45 a.m., Border Patrol agents from the Yuma Station manning a Mobile Surveillance System ground-based radar unit detected a low-flying aircraft making an illegal entry into the United States. Agents tracked the aircraft crossing the Colorado River south of County 14th Street, and continuing eastbound.

	Ultralight aircraft crashes after unsuccessful smuggling attempt.

Agents observed the aircraft impacting with the ground north of County 15th Street, about half a mile west of Avenue G. The pilot was then observed emerging from the wreckage and running west toward the Colorado River.

Responding Border Patrol agents determined that the suspected smuggler had absconded to Mexico; however, two subjects suspected of involvement with the smuggling attempt were arrested at the scene.

Two large plastic-wrapped packages of marijuana, with a total weight of 275.6 pounds and an estimated street value of $220,480, were recovered from the downed aircraft.

The two subjects were turned over to U.S. Immigrations and Customs Enforcement. The aircraft and contraband have been seized by the Border Patrol.