Cartel smuggling scout apprehended by Border Patrol in Arizona mountains

PHOENIX — An alleged cartel smuggling scout was recently apprehended in the mountains southeast of Yuma, authorities said.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection did not identify the person taken into custody, but said they were arrested in the Sierra Pinta Mountains by Yuma Sector Border Patrol and Yuma Air Branch and Marine agents.

According to CBP, the individual was taken to the Wellton Station to be processed and have their record checked.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Arizona will be handling the prosecution of the case as well as any future removal proceedings.

The individual was booked on an illegal entry charge, but could face potential enhancements for scouting at sentencing, CBP said.

“The arrest of this dangerous smuggler is a perfect example of a unified border enforcement team working together to achieve a successful law enforcement outcome,” Acting Chief Patrol Agent Dustin Caudle said in a Wednesday announcement. “These ruthless transnational criminal organizations have no regard for human life, and the dismantling of these cartel networks ensures a secure border that increases the safety of agents and our communities.”

What else was found with alleged cartel smuggling scout in the Arizona mountains?

CBP said that while searching the site where the individual was, agents found food supplies, sustainment equipment and a solar panel, which it noted indicated a long-term scouting mission.

Scouts use vantage points in the mountains in order to track law enforcement’s movements, according to CBP.

The Yuma Sector Targeting and Intelligence Division has been investigating cartel scouting activities in connection with undocumented migrants being moved through the Wellton Station area of responsibility.

CBP said the apprehension of the scout will disrupt the cartel’s ability to monitor authorities’ movements in the area.

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