10034.1

http://www.mcso.org/include/pr_pdf/CSO% ... elease.pdf

Date: 11-18-2009

SUPRESSION OPERATION NETS HUMAN

SMUGGLERS/DRUGS

Deputies Seize Nearly 700 Pounds of Marijuana and $10,000

Cash from Three U.S. Soldiers

51 Suspects and 37 Illegal Aliens Arrested in Less Than 48 Hours

(Maricopa County, Arizona) Sheriff Joe Arpaio’s two-day crime suppression/ human smuggling

operation has ended resulting in the arrest of 51 suspects and 37 illegal aliens, 34 of whom will be

charged on state human smuggling charges, a class four felony. The other three suspected illegal

aliens were turned over to Immigration and Custom’s Enforcement.

During day two of the operation, Sheriff’s deputies arrested three U.S. Army soldiers on possession

of marijuana, drug transportation, money laundering and conspiracy when the soldiers were

discovered to have 680 pounds of marijuana and $10,000 in cash during a traffic stop in North

Phoenix.

The three soldiers were wearing military clothing and identified themselves with U.S. Government

issued military identification. The driver of that vehicle was also charged with driving on a

suspended driver’s license.

“It is during the enforcement of minor traffic violations like cracked windshields and broken tail

lights that deputies come across offenders of more serious crimes like drug smugglers, human

smugglers, and perhaps even murderersâ€