Yuma, Arizona - Entering the Memorial Day weekend, Border Patrol agents made significant seizures in three separate events.
Thursday, May 26, Blythe Station agents encountered two U.S. citizens, both males, at a gas station in Ehrenberg. During the encounter, agents smelled a strong odor of marijuana coming from the vehicle. The two were arrested after a search of the vehicle yielded three pounds of marijuana, valued at an estimated $1,520, two hand guns, and 23 counterfeit $100- bills.
Friday, May 27, agents arrested Ramiro Bello-Juanito, a Mexican national illegally present in the U.S. Records checks revealed an active warrant for Bello by the Arizona Department of Corrections. Bello will now be incarcerated for the remaining year of his sentence.
Also on Friday, a vehicle attempting to pass through the Highway 95 immigration checkpoint was referred to a secondary inspection because a K9 alerted to the vehicle. Further inspection revealed both occupants of the vehicle were hiding nearly 13 pounds of cocaine in their waistbands. The drugs were valued at an estimated $143,487. One of the subjects also had a glass pipe with methamphetamine residue hidden in his sock. Both were lawful permanent residents.
All persons, drugs, contraband and vehicles will be processed per Yuma Sector guidelines.
Federal law allows agents to charge individuals by complaint, a method that allows the filing of charges for criminal activity without inferring guilt. An individual is presumed innocent unless or until competent evidence is presented to a jury that establishes guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
Yuma Sector Border Patrol agents effectively combat smuggling organizations attempting to illegally transport people and contraband through southwestern Arizona and California. Citizens can help the Border Patrol and U.S. Customs and Border Protection by calling 1-866-999-8727 toll-free to report suspicious activity. Callers can remain anonymous.