K9 detects multiple drugs, assists gun discovery

Both driver and passenger of vehicle are arrested

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) - Yuma Sector Border Patrol agents found meth, marijuana and a loaded handgun in a vehicle at the immigration checkpoint on Highway 95 Wednesday following a canine alert.

At approximately 2:45 p.m., agents encountered a Chevrolet Malibu as it traversed through the checkpoint, and referred it to the secondary inspection due to the canine signaling.

While in secondary, the canine alerted to the interior of the vehicle. During the search, agents found nearly a half pound of marijuana, drug paraphernalia and a loaded 9mm handgun. 

Agents proceeded to detain the two vehicle occupants, who were both U.S. citizens, and found 6.5 grams of methamphetamine in the driver’s pocket during the process.

Border Patrol arrested the driver, a 38-year-old female from Colorado, and passenger, a 41-year-old male from California; and seized the drugs, drug paraphernalia and handgun.

Canines are trained to detect concealed humans and the odors of marijuana, methamphetamine, cocaine, heroin and ecstasy. Although marijuana was recently legalized in the state of Arizona, it is still federally illegal and seized when encountered at federal immigration checkpoints.