8 arrested, weapons seized in W. Phoenix


Eight suspected human or drug smugglers were arrested.


Posted: 5:24 PM
Last Updated: 1 hour and 30 minutes ago
By: Deborah Stocks

PHOENIX - Authorities say they've arrested eight suspected undocumented immigrants and seized several weapons at a West Phoenix mobile home park.

The Department of Public Safety says investigators assigned to the Illegal Immigration Apprehension Co-op Team (IIMPACT) served a search warrant at the mobile home near 65th Avenue and Van Buren Street Friday.

They found eight male suspects along with several semi-automatic handguns, assault rifles, ammunition, ballistic vests with ceramic plates and other police-type equipment.

DPS said the investigation originated with a traffic stop by Phoenix police and a further investigation led them to the mobile home.

Authorities said the suspects are likely human or drug smugglers.

"We have bad guys who had body armor off the street, so it's small, but we do things one step at a time," DPS Capt. Fred Zumbo said.

Zumbo said authorities are working to trace the weapons and look into the suspects' histories to see if they are linked to any unsolved crimes.

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