Yuma, Arizona - Border Patrol agents from Yuma Sector’s Special Operations Detachment (SOD) apprehended eight illegal aliens Monday night and seized more than 350 pounds of marijuana, valued in excess of $175,000.
SOD agents were working southeast of Wellton, Arizona, when they received a report of a group of individuals walking toward Interstate 8 with what appeared to be large narcotics bundles. When agents approached the group, the suspects abandoned their cargo in an attempt to flee the area. Agents captured all eight individuals, later identified as male Mexican nationals, two of whom were juveniles.
Agents also learned that one of the men, age 52, was previously deported from the U.S. five times. His lengthy criminal history, mostly out of Los Angeles, California, dates back to 1987, which includes multiple convictions and incarcerations for vehicle theft, obstructing a police officer, and possession, use and sale of narcotics.
Agents seized the marijuana and arrested the subjects for narcotics smuggling; all now being processed in accordance with Yuma Sector guidelines.
Yuma Sector’s Special Operations Detachment is comprised of certified special operations agents from the Special Operations Group; the Border Patrol Search Trauma & Rescue Unit (BORSTAR); and the Border Patrol Tactical Unit (BORTAC). Agents assigned to this unit undergo a difficult training regimen before being certified SOD agents.
Yuma Sector Border Patrol agents effectively combat smuggling organizations attempting to 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 may remain anonymous.