Agents arrest 3 in drug busts at I-8 checkpoint
Yuma Sector Border Patrol agents working near Wellton made multiple drug seizures and arrests in two separate incidents at the Interstate 8 immigration checkpoint on Thursday, one of which included a 60-year-old United States citizen.
In the first event at approximately 12:20 p.m., agents directed a white 2015 Nissan Rogue to the secondary inspection area of the checkpoint after a positive canine alert.
The occupants, a 30-yearold male from Heber Springs, Arkansas, and 24-year-old female from Drasco, Arkansas, both United States citizens, gave agents permission to search their vehicle.
Agents subsequently discovered 22 pounds of marijuana, along with 313 grams of hashish, worth approximately $11,000.
In the second event at approximately 8 p.m., a Border Patrol canine positively alerted to a black 2017 Honda Civic in the primary inspection lane of the checkpoint.
The driver, a 60-year-old male United States citizen from Campo, California, also gave permission for his vehicle to be searched. Agents found a large duffel bag in the cargo area with 10.65 pounds of marijuana, worth $5,325, in the vehicle.
All three individuals were placed under arrest and a vehicle was seized. Those arrested were turned over to the Arizona Department of Public Safety.
Yuma County residents 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.