Yuma, Ariz. – U.S. Border Patrol agents from Yuma Sector, a component of the Customs and Border Protection Joint Field Command – Arizona, seized approximately 550 pounds of marijuana and arrested nine smugglers in two separate incidents over the weekend.
On Nov. 18, Wellton Station agents were patrolling south of Gila Bend, Ariz. when they noticed a group of individuals traversing the desert terrain carrying backpacks. Agents approached the group and encountered four individuals with three bundles of marijuana weighing approximately 140 pounds.
On Nov. 19, Wellton Station agents were again patrolling south of Gila Bend, Ariz. when they arrested five individuals carrying makeshift backpacks filled with marijuana weighing approximately 410 pounds.
The marijuana, with a combined value of about $274,630, and all subjects were turned over to the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office.
CBP announced the JFC-AZ in February 2011 as an organizational realignment that brings together the U.S. Border Patrol, Air and Marine, and Field Operations under a unified command structure. The JFC-AZ integrates CBP’s border security, commercial enforcement, and trade facilitation missions to more effectively meet the unique challenges faced in Arizona.
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