Ariz.-based Sinaloa Cartel-linked cell busted
Web Producer: Ina Ronquillo
TEMPE, Ariz. (AP) - Authorities say they have busted up an elaborate drug trafficking cell in Tempe that is linked to the deadly Sinaloa Cartel from Mexico.
Tempe police announced Friday that 20 people have been arrested and $2.4 million was found after a six month investigation involving local and federal authorities.
After obtaining 15 search warrants, police said they also seized an airplane, 14 weapons and three tons of marijuana.
Doug Coleman, Drug Enforcement Administration special agent in charge, said the bust was part of an effort called "Operation Nayarit Stampede" aimed at attacking a drug trafficking organization that stretched across the Mexico border and into Arizona.
Officials said the operation sent drugs to New York, Alabama, California and throughout other parts of the country.
(Copyright 2012 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)
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