Accused smugglers dump meth in the desert
Border patrol says bust illustrates new trend
YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) - The U.S. Border Patrol says a recent bust in Yuma County sheds light on a new trend in drug smuggling.
Yuma Sector agents say they encountered two illegal immigrants southeast of Wellton around 3:30 Saturday morning. Agents say both men were wearing empty backpacks.
They say when they backtracked the migrants' footsteps, they began finding packages scattered on the ground. Agents say it looks like the accuses smugglers dumped their cargo just before their arrest.
Testing showed all the packages contained methamphetamine. Their combined weight was more than 11-pounds. The drugs have an estimated street value of nearly $23,000.
The Border Patrol says it's seeing a shift in the types of drug being carried on foot into Yuma County. Agents say, in the past, they saw more marijuana being backpacked into the area. They say they're now seeing more hard drugs, like meth, heading over the border towards the highway.
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.
