Yuma Sector Agents Arrest 3 Illegal Aliens Backpacking $158K of Meth Through Desert

YUMA, Ariz. – Yuma Sector Border Patrol agents from Wellton Station apprehended a group of three illegal aliens transporting methamphetamine through a remote area of the desert.

Late Tuesday night, Wellton Station agents encountered three Mexican nationals illegally present in the United States, who were traveling through the desert southeast of Dateland. When arrest was imminent, agents observed the group drop makeshift backpacks. The group was apprehended near where they dropped their cargo. Upon searching the backpacks, agents discovered 78 packages of methamphetamine. The total weight of the narcotics was approximately 79 pounds with an estimated street value of over $158,000.

The narcotics were seized and the three backpackers will be referred for criminal prosecution.

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.