Blythe Station agents from the U.S. Border Patrol’s Yuma Sector recently intercepted two teenagers near Ehrenberg, Arizona, who were found with drugs and a handgun. The Chief Patrol Agent of the Yuma Sector, Justin De La Torre, said that the individuals were handed over to local authorities for state charges. This information was shared on X.
“Blythe Station agents intercepted two teenagers – a 17-year-old and 19-year-old – transporting a large amount of marijuana while in possession of a handgun along Interstate 10 near Ehrenberg, Arizona on Tuesday,” said De La Torre, Border Patrol Chief. “The U.S. citizen teenagers, handgun, more than eight pounds of marijuana, 1200 THC vape pens, and 300 marijuana cigarettes were turned over to the La Paz County Sheriff’s Office. They face state charges for possession of narcotics and a handgun. Border Security Is National Security.”
According to U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), Blythe Station Border Patrol agents seized over $12,000 worth of narcotics and an illegally possessed firearm during a vehicle stop along Interstate 10 in Arizona. This action highlights their role in highway interdiction efforts.
In the past year, Yuma Sector Border Patrol agents have been active in intercepting multiple narcotics shipments. Notably, a K-9-assisted operation led to the seizure of tactical weapons and contraband at a gas station in Blythe, California. These operations reflect ongoing interdiction efforts by CBP.
Data from the Arizona Criminal Justice Commission indicates that juvenile arrests for drug offenses have modestly declined between 2019 and 2023. However, the report does not separately detail firearms possession in combination with drug trafficking.
De La Torre has served as Chief Patrol Agent of the Yuma Sector since January 2025 and brings 25 years of experience with the Border Patrol. His previous roles include Deputy Chief in the Tucson Sector and leadership positions in San Diego, as reported by KYMA News.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection is a federal law enforcement agency under the Department of Homeland Security tasked with safeguarding national borders and preventing illegal entry. Established in 1924, CBP operates across 328 ports of entry, protecting 7,000 miles of land borders and 95,000 miles of maritime borders.
