see also: in August 2007 News Releases:   Border Patrol Agents Seize Drugs at California Checkpoint   Palm Beach, Fla. Welcomes New Tool in Fighting Terror Weapons   Drug Seizure Activity at Border Ports Remains Brisk; El Paso CBP Nabs More Than 2 Tons of Pot   Yuma Border Agents Help Local Police Track 3 Fleeing Burglary Scene   CBP Officers at Laredo, Texas Entry Seize Almost $6 Million in Drugs in Two Seizures   Suspected Smuggling Lookouts Captured in Desert   1st Director of U.S. Customs and Border Protection in Northwest Retires ...more on cbp.gov:   CBP News Releases   Press Officers

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Yuma, Ariz. - U.S. Customs and Border Protection Border Patrol agents assigned to the Yuma Sector apprehended an individual and seized a small quantity of narcotics, as well as an assault rifle, during checkpoint operations Sunday.

About 10:30 p.m. a man, determined to be a U.S. citizen, entered the 1155 checkpoint about 12 miles east of Yuma on Interstate 8 when a Border Patrol canine alerted agents to the possible presence of narcotics in the vehicle.

A search of the vehicle revealed approximately 1.5 pounds of marijuana concealed in a case in the vehicle’s trunk, as well as a small amount of methamphetamines, several glass pipes and an electronic scale. Also in the trunk, agents found several weapons including an AK-47 assault rifle, a .357 revolver and a 9mm pistol.

A records check of the man revealed he has an active arrest warrant issued by Mojave County, Ariz., for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Agents contacted Drug Enforcement Administration officials, who deferred the case to the Yuma County Sheriff’s Office. YCSO officers took custody of the man and contraband.

According to YCSO officials, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms was also notified and is looking into the man’s possession of the assault rifle. Additionally, he may face charges for misconduct with weapons stemming from his possession of the guns while transporting narcotics.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection is the unified border agency within the Department of Homeland Security charged with the management, control and protection of our nation’s borders at and between the official ports of entry. CBP is charged with keeping terrorists and terrorist weapons out of the country while enforcing hundreds of U.S. laws.