May 2, 2012
600 lbs. of Marijuana Seized and 49 Illegal Aliens Arrested over the last five days by Sheriff’s Deputies
Arpaio continues to crack down on illegal immigration and drug trafficking
(Maricopa County, AZ) Sheriff Joe Arpaio says Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office deputies seized over 600 lbs. of marijuana over the last 24 hours and arrested seven illegal aliens during a drug suppression investigation. Sheriff’s Human Smuggling detectives have also arrested 42 illegal aliens in the act of being smuggled into Maricopa County over the past five days.
While working a drug suppression operation in the Southwest area Sheriff’s deputies, with the assistance of the Border Patrol, seized over 600 lbs. of marijuana and arrested seven illegal aliens who were attempting to smuggle the marijuana into the U.S.
Sheriff Arpaio says “Drug trafficking is increasing involving illegal aliens and I am preparing for another drug and illegal alien crime suppression operation.”
In the last month, Maricopa County Sheriff’s deputies have arrested more than 27 illegal aliens and seized over two tons of marijuana.
Over the past 5 days, Sheriff’s detectives have arrested 42 illegal aliens in the act of being smuggled into Maricopa County. 15 were arrested just this morning near Fountain Hills. Detectives are still investigating this incident.
On Tuesday afternoon, Sheriff’s detectives were investigating two vehicles near Fountain Hills for human smuggling. The first vehicle contained 10 illegal aliens,
including the coyote, which were heading to New York, Delaware, Louisiana, New Jersey, Virginia, Maryland, and Kentucky. Six were identified as Mexican Nationals and three were from Guatemala. The coyote claimed that this was his first time that he had done this type of thing.
The second vehicle contained 10 to 12 illegal aliens who all ran into the desert from Sheriff’s detectives. After a lengthy search of the area using air support and with the assistance of DPS, only three were found and arrested. This group was heading to Ohio.
On Friday, the Maricopa County Sheriff’s detectives discovered a vehicle near Gila Bend which was being used to smuggle illegal aliens into the country. It was carrying 6 illegals and a coyote. While searching the vehicle an AK47 was located under the back seat. This group was heading to Phoenix.
On Saturday night, Sheriff’s detectives were investigating a drop house in Gila Bend and found 9 more illegals. This group was also heading to Phoenix.
These groups admitted to crossing the border near Altar, Sonoyta, and Sasabe.
Of all those arrested, seven illegal aliens were booked into the 4th Avenue Jail on drug charges, while 19 illegal aliens and one U.S. citizen, Jared Moran (01/11/1993), were booked into the 4th Avenue Jail on Human Smuggling related charges. Six juveniles and 2 others were turned over to ICE officials. The investigation continues for the 15 arrested today.
Sheriff Arpaio says “Illegal aliens continue to cross the border into the United States, violating the law, whether it is the illegal immigration or drug laws.”
To date the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office has arrested over 5,500 illegal aliens involved in human smuggling.
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