Traffic stop, raid at drophouse net 32 arrests
by Julia Guzy - Aug. 11, 2009 01:51 PM
The Arizona Republic

Sheriff's deputies arrested 32 people suspected illegal immigrants after an investigation in the north Valley led to a drophouse in southwest Phoenix Monday night.

The investigation began when deputies detained 17 people in a van, all of whom allegedly admitted to have paid between $1,200 and $3,000 to gain entry into the United States, according to a press release from the Maricopa County Sheriff's Office

The investigation tipped off deputies to a drophouse in the 6800 block of West Holly Street, near North 67th Avenue. Authorities arrested 19 suspected illegal immigrants, many of whom unsuccessfully attempted to flee on foot, the release said.

All 32 people arrested were booked on suspicion of human smuggling.

Monday's arrests bring the total of the agency's illegal immigration arrests to 93 in the last two weeks, according the MCSO release.

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