ICE Agents In Phoenix Seize More Than 900 Pounds Of Pot

POSTED: 3:40 pm MST February 19, 2011
UPDATED: 4:10 pm MST February 19, 2011

PHOENIX -- U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement's Homeland Security Investigations agents seized more than 900 pounds of marijuana and arrested a suspected drug smuggler at a Phoenix auto shop Friday.

ICE spokesman Vicent Picard said agents conducting an ongoing investigation into a marijuana smuggling ring suspected the shop, located near the intersection of 39th Avenue and Indian School Road, was being used to stash narcotics.

Picard said a federal search warrant was served on the business and HSI agents seized a total of 941 pounds of marijuana in 41 bundles, scales, wrapping material and other items indicating drug smuggling activity.

Authorities said the owner of the business, a 40-year-old Mexican citizen who was in the United States illegally, was arrested and charged with possession of marijuana with intent to distribute.

The investigation into this incident is on-going. Anyone with information regarding the bust should contact ICE's tip line at 866-DHS-2ICE.

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