Pinal County deputies and ICE target drug smuggling operation
Web Producer: Brian Pryor
CASA GRANDE, Ariz. (KGUN9-TV) - A multi agency task force headed by the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Homeland Security Investigations, and the Pinal County Sheriff's Office took down a drug smuggling operation on Thursday.
Authorities in total, executed 12 search warrants and arrested 17 suspected smugglers in central and southern Arizona. Investigators also seized 935 pounds of marijuana, 12 weapons, 1,000 rounds of ammunition, and $35,000 in cash.
Law Enforcement agents began investigating the Casa Grande, Arizona based ring last year and suspect the group has smuggled up to 50,000 pounds of marijuana through Arizona every month.
Sheriff Paul Babeu stated, “We appreciate the assistance of our federal law enforcement partners with this large scale investigation. Together we were able to disrupt a major drug smuggling operation which in turn has had a significant effect on the Mexican drug cartel behind it. We will continue to bring the heavy hand of enforcement to those who think they can smuggle drugs or humans through Pinal County.”
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