Agents thwart drug smuggling attempts at I-8 checkpoint
Border Patrol agents assigned to the Wellton Station arrested three U.S. citizens at the Interstate 8 immigration checkpoint over the weekend in two separate drug busts.
The first incident happened at approximately 9:44 a.m. on Saturday when a Border Patrol canine positively alerted to a white 2006 Acura in the primary inspection lane, according to information provided by the Yuma Sector Public Affairs Office.
A subsequent search of the vehicle led to the discovery of 30 packages of methamphetamine and two packages of cocaine behind the rear seat. The cocaine weighed 4.67 pounds, and the methamphetamine weighed 31.65 pounds for a combined total worth of nearly $148,000.
The driver of the vehicle, a 33-year-old female from Yuma, had her three minor children of varying ages in the vehicle with her at the time. The three children were released into the custody of a relative. The driver was arrested.
The second incident occurred Sunday at approximately 7:11 a.m., after agents sent a gray 2006 Ford Fusion to the secondary inspection area after a Border Patrol canine positively alerted to an odor it was trained to detect.
Agents searched the vehicle and found 90.5 grams of methamphetamine hidden under the carpet, two firearms in the glove compartment and ammunition on the floorboard.
A check on the serial numbers of both firearms revealed that one of them, a Colt .38 Special, had been reported stolen out of San Bernardino, Calif. The driver, a 46-year-old male from Apache Junction, and the passenger, a 41-year-old male from Whittier, Calif., were arrested. Records checks on the passenger revealed him to be a convicted felon with an extensive criminal history.