Marines help Border Patrol arrest group of illegal immigrants, seize marijuana

The United States Marine Corps helped Border Patrol in the arrest of a group of illegal immigrants Tuesday night who allegedly tried to smuggle over $143,000 worth of marijuana east of Dateland.

According to the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), U.S. Marines were monitoring the area when they discovered the group. The Marines directed Border Patrol agents to the group who were then arrested.

The group, which consisted of six Mexican nationals and four Honduran nationals, also had about 286 pounds of marijuana, CBP said. The drugs were estimated to be valued at more than $143,000.

CBP officials said the ten individuals will face drug smuggling and immigration violations.

The Marines are temporarily in Yuma to help with Border Patrol’s surveillance duties, officials added.