Border Patrol Agent assaulted during narcotics seizure

SUMAS, Wash. — United States Border Patrol agents observed multiple subjects illegally cross into the United States from Canada east of the Sumas Port of Entry on Thursday night.  A Border Patrol agent responded to the location and encountered two subjects with large backpacks.

During the encounter, one of the subjects assaulted the agent by striking him in the chest and a struggle ensued. Both subjects ultimately fled the scene and returned to Canada. Fortunately, the Border Patrol agent was not injured.  Two abandoned backpacks were discovered containing 83 pounds of a substance suspected to be methamphetamine which is pending testing and would be worth nearly $800,000.

The Royal Canadian Mounted Police and the Abbotsford, British Columbia, Canada Police Department were notified of the incident.  Shortly thereafter, the Abbotsford Police Department contacted Border Patrol agents regarding an apprehension of a man and a juvenile in a vehicle accident a few blocks away with two large backpacks containing suspected methamphetamine.

“This incident is an example of the threats and risks faced by United States Border Patrol agents as they work to secure the border,” said Acting Chief Patrol Agent Chris Bippley.  “The arrests and significant seizure of suspected narcotics also highlights the exceptional relationship between the United States Border Patrol and Canadian law enforcement partners.”