Feds Recover $3 Million in Pinal County Bust

Updated: Wednesday, 25 May 2011, 11:03 AM MST
Published : Wednesday, 25 May 2011, 10:59 AM MST

TUCSON, Ariz. - U.S. Customs and Border Protection say a six day drug operation in Pinal County's Vekol Valley led authorities to 5,400 pounds of pot worth nearly $3 million.

The operation wrapped up May 21 and led to the arrests of 55 suspected illegal immigrants, five U.S. citizens, the recovery of guns and stolen vehicles and more than $115,000 in cash.

Customs agents, the Arizona Department of Public Safety and various police agencies say they went after smugglers and criminal organizations operating near Casa Grande.

"These multi agency details have a much greater impact than just in Pinal County. Pinal County is the number one pass through county in America for drug and human trafficking because of the roadways and terrain," state Pinal County Sheriff Paul Babeu.

"The cartels of Mexico have between 75 to 100 lookout posts through this known drug and human smuggling corridor. They use these high vantage points to ensure their loads, whether they are humans or drugs, make it through. Some of these loads stop in Phoenix but many of them are sent throughout the United States. I appreciate the assistance provided by all of these law enforcement agencies to disrupt the cartels activities. We need this continuous law enforcement presence to help protect America until the border is truly secured."

http://www.myfoxphoenix.com/dpp/news/cr ... x-05252011