Border agents arrest convicted murderer, nab $137K in drugs
Yuma Sector Border Patrol agents assigned to the Wellton Station’s Interstate 8 Immigration Checkpoint arrested a Mexican national previously convicted of first-degree murder and seized more than $137,000 in narcotics during three weekend incidents.
In the first incident, which happened at approximately 8:15 p.m. Friday, agents observed six individuals entering the U.S. illegally near County 16th and Colorado River, four of whom were carrying large bundles.
When agents arrested the members of the group, they were able to verify the bundles contained around 204 pounds of marijuana, which had an approximate street value of more than $102,000.
Almost 90 minutes later at the Interstate 8 Immigration Checkpoint, agents conducting a secondary search of a 2006 Chrysler 300 driven by a Phoenix man found 22 packages of methamphetamine hidden in the dashboard.
The packages had a combined weight of almost 12 pounds, worth more than $35,000, according to information provided by agent Jose J. Garibay III, of the Yuma Public Affairs Office.
In the third incident, which occurred at approximately 11:40 p.m. on Saturday, Yuma Station agents arrested Andres Cevilla-Julio, a 50-year-old Mexican national, after he entered the U.S. illegally near San Luis.
A records check performed during processing revealed that Cevilla was previously convicted of first-degree murder in Salt Lake City and served 20 years in prison. He told agents he was headed to Fresno, Calif., to seek employment.
Agents arrested all individuals and seized all contraband, as well as the vehicles used in the crimes.
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.