A multi-agency task force formed to reduce drug smuggling in Southern Arizona netted more than 7,500 pounds of marijuana valued at $6 million in the Vekol Valley during a 4-day sting, according to a release issued by the Arizona Department of Public Safety late Thursday.
In addition to the pot, intelligence gathered and shared among agencies involved in the task force led to 110 arrests, recovery of nine stolen vehicles and the seizure of four firearms.
“Attacking the profit motive behind human and drug smuggling throughout Arizona has been a priority for Governor Brewer,” said Col. Robert Halliday, director of the Arizona Department of Public Safety. “I am pleased at the high level of cooperation between a host of agencies all aiming for the same goal – take back the Vekol Valley from criminals and make our state and communities safer.”
The DPS-led operation, which ended Jan. 30, was a joint effort of the Bureau of Land Management, Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office, Pinal County Sheriff’s Office, Immigration and Customs Enforcement Removal Operations, ICE Homeland Security Investigations, Customs and Border Protection Office of Field Operations, Office of Border Patrol and the Casa Grande and Eloy Police Departments.
The task force will continue its efforts south of Maricopa in coming months.
“This ongoing operation’s goal is to deny, degrade, disrupt and dismantle smuggling organizations,” Halliday said.
![A blue square highlights the area of the proposed affordable housing development and "Restaurant Row" sitting south of city hall and the Maricopa Police Department. Preliminary architectural drawings were not yet available. [City of Maricopa]](https://www.inmaricopa.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/041724-affordable-housing-project-restaurant-row-100x70.jpg "Affordable apartments planned near ‘Restaurant Row’")
