More than 4,300 pounds of drugs seized in 3-day operation

2096

A three-day, multi-agency effort to combat human and drug smuggling in the Vekol Valley southwest of Maricopa has led to dozens of arrests and thousands of pounds of marijuana seized.

This latest tactical operation was from Sept. 14-16, participating law enforcement agencies accomplished the below activity:

• 4,370 pounds of marijuana seized
• 40 Undocumented aliens apprehended (11 facing felony charges)
• Three U.S. Citizens apprehended (all facing felony charges)
• Four vehicles seized
• Three stolen vehicles recovered
• One stolen Arizona license plate recovered
• Three weapons seized

PCSO patrol deputies and members of SWAT aided in the apprehension of eight undocumented aliens, three of whom were in possession of marijuana bundles. PCSO members also helped locate and secure 2,250 pounds of marijuana. Highlighted are the following cases in which arrests were made along with substantial drug seizures. Members were also involved with several other cases during this operation.

At approximately 10 p.m. on Sept 14, SWAT teams from both DPS and PCSO located a group of seven individuals carrying six bundles of marijuana. After they dropped their load and attempted to flee the area, three suspects were taken into custody along with 250 lbs. of marijuana.

On Sept.15 around 3 a.m., PCSO SWAT members participating in the operating were assisting Border Patrol agents tracked a vehicle suspected of smuggling narcotics. As units moved in, Border Patrol agents discovered 90 bundles of marijuana with an approximate weight of 2,000 pounds. PCSO helped secure the load.

Later that morning around 5:30 a.m., SWAT and patrol deputies responded to a shooting involving officers from the Department of Public Safety who were targeted by a suspected drug smuggler. No one was hurt.