see also: in October 2006 News Releases:   CBP releases outstanding 2006 results   CBP Launches SENTRI Program Improvements   Aduanas Introduce Mejoras al Programa SENTRI   CBP Deploys Newest Unmanned Aircraft   CBP Border Patrol Nabs Sex Offender   More Than $1 Million in Cocaine Seized by CBP Border Patrol Agents in New Mexico ...more on cbp.gov:   CBP News Releases   Press Officers

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Yuma, Ariz. — U.S. Customs and Border Protection Border Patrol agents seized 730 pounds of marijuana worth approximately $584,000 and apprehended two suspected smugglers near Dome Valley, Ariz., last Friday.

On October 27, at 9 a.m., Border Patrol agents from the Yuma Sector’s Wellton station, received information indicating possible smuggling activity in the Dome Valley area. During their patrol agents noticed two suspicious pickup trucks traveling through the area, a route frequently used by smugglers as a short cut to eastern Arizona.

The agents stopped one of the suspect vehicles, and upon closer examination, noticed numerous packages wrapped in cellophane and tape within the cab and bed sections of the truck. The two suspected smugglers were transporting 157 individually wrapped bundles of marijuana.

“This is definitely a success story for our Wellton Border Patrol agents,” said Steve Johnson, Wellton Border Patrol Station’s Patrol Agent in Charge. “Smugglers employ a variety of tactics to try to throw our agents off, but our agents are highly trained and capable of detecting this kind of activity, so the smugglers never had a chance to reach their destination.”

Since the start of fiscal year 2007, which began October 1, Yuma Sector Border Patrol agents have seized more than 1,100 pounds of marijuana worth an estimated $818,000. In FY 2006, the sector seized more than 46,000 pounds worth about $37.8 million.

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.