Arizona DPS finds over 2,000 pounds of marijuana, $100,000

Nicole Klauss -
Apr. 4, 2011 01:32 PM
The Arizona Republic-12 News Breaking News Team

The Arizona Department of Public Safety seized over 2,000 pounds of marijuana and nearly $100,000 in cash in a two-day operation along Interstate 10 stretching from Casa Grande to the California border.

DPS partnered with the Arizona Department of Transportation and the Arizona Trucking Association to conduct the operation Monday and Tuesday of last week.

The goal, according to authorities, was to increase traffic enforcement in the area in order to reduce collisions. DPS also hoped to increase safety having commercial driver roadside inspections, commercial driver regulatory compliance inspections and seatbelt enforcement inspections.

Over 85 DPS officers participated in the operation which was conducted along Interstate 10 from the California border to Casa Grande.

Over the two days, DPS officers seized the 2,445 pounds of marijuana, $99,820 in cash and approximately 44 pounds of cocaine.

Twelve drivers were arrested on suspicion of criminal activity. Charges are pending, according to DPS.

In total, officers conducted 671 commercial vehicle inspections and discovered over 1,500 violations. DPS officers conducted traffic stops on both commercial vehicles and passenger cars.

Officers completed 34 bus inspections resulting in three bus drivers placed out of service for violations, and one bus placed out of service for equipment violations.

Officers also stopped 97 passenger cars and issued 105 moving violations and several equipment violations.

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