Agents arrest 8 people in 3 separate incidents
Border Patrol agents assigned to Yuma Sector immigration checkpoints arrested four U.S. citizens, including a child sex offender, and four illegal entrants during three separate narcotics and human smuggling incidents over the weekend.
During the first incident, agents assigned to the Interstate 8 Immigration Checkpoint referred a black Chevrolet Camaro to the secondary inspection area for further investigation.
According to information provided by agent Jose J. Garibay III of the Yuma Sector Public Affairs Office, agents searched the vehicle after a K-9 alert and found more than 37 pounds of methamphetamine, valued at approximately $111,150, loaded in the rear quarter panels.
Agents arrested the driver, a 25-year-old U.S. citizen from San Luis.
On Saturday morning, agents assigned to the Highway 78 Immigration Checkpoint referred two U.S. citizens to the secondary inspection area. Agents searched their vehicle after a K-9 alert, and found 252 grams of methamphetamine worth approximately $1,666. Agents arrested both U.S. citizens.
Later that morning, agents assigned to the Highway 95 Immigration Checkpoint encountered a 34-year-old U.S. citizen from Long Beach, California claiming to be a driver for a ride-sharing company, and four passengers.
After additional questioning, the four passengers were identified as illegal entrants from Mexico. Record checks on the driver revealed a conviction in 2005 for sex with a minor under 16 years of age out of California. Agents arrested the driver and all four Mexican nationals.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection officials welcome assistance from the community. Individuals can report suspicious activity to the Border Patrol and remain anonymous by calling 1-877-872-7435 toll free. Reporting illicit activity could result in saving someone’s life.