ICE, PCSO Bust Drug Smuggling Ring

Updated: Thursday, 15 Sep 2011, 4:54 PM MST
Published : Thursday, 15 Sep 2011, 4:54 PM MST

PHOENIX (AP) - Authorities have arrested the alleged leader of a drug smuggling organization accused of moving thousands of pounds of marijuana in the Phoenix metropolitan area.

They say 28-year-old Jose Sarinana-Placencia was taken into custody Thursday. The arrest came after a multi-agency enforcement operation led by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement's Homeland Security Investigations and the Pinal County Sheriff's Office.

Sarinana-Placencia and five members of his organization are facing state and federal drug smuggling and weapons charges.

The arrests were made authorities executed seven search warrants early Thursday at locations in Chandler, Mesa and Maricopa. Authorities also seized 10 weapons.

Federal prosecutors say Sarinana-Placencia's alleged smuggling organization is believed to have moved multiple tons of marijuana that was smuggled into Arizona from Mexico.

It's unclear whether Sarinana-Placencia has legal representation yet.

http://www.myfoxphoenix.com/dpp/news/cr ... x-09152011