Imperial County, California - On Sunday, U.S. Border Patrol agents assigned to the Calexico station seized more than 230 pounds of marijuana near Bowker Road and Interstate 8.  It was suspected that the drugs were smuggled into the United States via ultra-light aircraft (ULA).

The incident took place at approximately 7:40 a.m., when Border Patrol agents discovered an abandoned metal basket loaded with 10 large bundles.  Because the metal basket is commonly used by ULAs, agents believe the bundles were dropped from an ULA and was intended to be picked up and transported by drug smugglers on the ground.

Border Patrol agents determined that the bundles contained marijuana weighing a total of 233.7 pounds.  The marijuana has an estimated street value of $140,220.

The marijuana was seized and turned over to the Drug Enforcement Administration.

Last fiscal year El Centro Sector Border Patrol agents seized 5,713 pounds of marijuana.

The El Centro Sector’s Community Awareness Campaign is a simple and effective program to raise public awareness on the indicators of crime and other threats.  We encourage public and private sector employees to remain vigilant and play a key role in keeping our country safe.  Please report any suspicious activity to the Border Community Threat Hotline at 1-800-901-2003.