5 arrested for transporting 200 lbs. of pot into US from Mexico

Border Patrol agents from the Calexico station arrested five undocumented immigrants and took one U.S. citizen into custody after spotting a few of the men cross over the International Boundary Fence on Labor Day.

Agents said they watched as five suspects carrying backpacks in Mexico crossed over the fence at about 9 p.m. Monday. The men took off running north toward Interstate 8 and Greys Wells Road. Border Patrol agents said they responded to the area and made the arrests.

According to the release, each man was carrying a large cellophane-wrapped bundle of marijuana. The total amount was close to 209 lbs. and agents estimate the marijuana to be worth more than $125,000.

One of the men said they were supposed to load the marijuana into a tan colored vehicle on Interstate 8.

After briefly searching the area, agents located the suspected vehicle and stopped the driver, who was a U.S. citizen.

All six men and the marijuana were taken back to the Calexico station for processing.

Custody of the five undocumented immigrants, as well as the marijuana, was turned over to the Imperial County Sheriff’s Office for further investigation, according to the Border Patrol release.

There was no immediate word if the U.S. citizen was officially charged with a crime.