Yuma Border Patrol agents seize vehicle, cash

Yuma Sector Border Patrol agents in Blythe seized a sizable amount of cash and recovered a stolen vehicle in two separate incidents over a two-week period earlier this month.

In the first incident, Blythe Station Border Patrol Integrated Targeting Team (ITT) agents were performing anti-smuggling operations on Friday, April 13 along Interstate 40, when at 3:15 a.m. they conducted an immigration stop on a 2006 Honda Civic with a Georgia license plate.

A Border Patrol canine positively alerted to the vehicle. When agents searched the vehicle they found and seized $18,540 in cash and other drug paraphernalia. The 25-year-old male driver and 24-year-old male passenger were both United States citizens.

In the second incident, agents with the Blythe Station ITT attempted to perform an immigration stop on a 2018 Range Rover at approximately 2:45 a.m. on Wednesday, April 18.

The vehicle initially stopped and then sped off after agents tried to run checks on the vehicle identification number. After a short pursuit, the vehicle stopped and the suspect fled on foot.

The suspect later surrendered after a short search of the area. During questioning, the suspect stated that he had stolen the vehicle in Tucson. The male suspect, a 23-year-old United States citizen, and stolen vehicle were turned over to the La Paz County Sheriff’s Office.

Both ITT seizures were a part of a concentrated effort on Interstate 40 focused on Alien Smuggling. Agents also apprehended a total of 17 illegal aliens of various nationalities over the twoweek period.

Integrated Targeting Teams were established in Yuma Sector to enhance U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s Counter Network Approach. They perform synchronized targeting of high-risk transnational and illicit criminal organizations.

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.