see also: in January 2007 News Releases:   Membership of Trade/Customs Advisory Committee Announced   CBP Border Patrol Launches Massive Search to Preserve Life   CBP Officers Make 22 Drug Busts at Calexico Ports During Busy Week   3,010 Pounds of Marijuana Seized at Nogales Port of Entry   CBP Border Patrol Makes a Record Drug Bust   Registration Underway for Third CBP Conference on ACE   CBP Officers Nab Mother/Daughter Cocaine Smugglers; Juveniles With Marijuana Loads Also Nabbed This Week ...more on cbp.gov:   CBP News Releases   Press Officers

contacts for this news release

Yuma, Ariz. — U.S. Customs and Border Protection Border Patrol agents assigned to the Yuma Border Patrol station seized over 1,300 pounds of marijuana, a stolen vehicle, and arrested two illegal aliens connected to the crime early Tuesday morning.

While patrolling near the international boundary east of the San Luis Port-of-Entry, agents found sign of a vehicle that entered illegally. After following the tracks, agents located a black Lincoln Mark LT near Avenue 3E and County 23rd Street. Two individuals jumped out of the Lincoln and ran from the area as the agents approached.

Inside the vehicle, agents found several large bundles of marijuana weighing 1,306 pounds. A check of the vehicle registration revealed the Lincoln was reported stolen. After securing the vehicle, agents tracked and apprehended the suspects nearby. Both suspects are citizens and nationals of Mexico.

The Lincoln, contraband, and suspects all were turned over to the Drug Enforcement Administration.

Yuma Sector Border Patrol agents seized 46,115 pounds of marijuana during fiscal year 2006, up from 36,368 pounds during fiscal year 2005. From October 1, 2006 through December 31, 2006, there have been 417 marijuana seizures in the Yuma Sector totaling 3,564 pounds.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is the unified border agency within the Department of Homeland Security responsible for 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.