N.M. 22 arrested in car theft ring tied to drug cartel

22 arrested in car theft ring tied to drug cartel

Thieves sold stolen cars in exchange for meth, cocaine

UPDATED 12:48 PM MDT Jun 26, 2014
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ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. —More than 20 people were arrested Thursday morning around New Mexico in connection to an international auto theft and drug trafficking ring.

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The Department of Homeland Security said the ring has ties to the Sinaloa Drug Cartel.

Authorities said criminals would ship stolen luxury vehicles from New Mexico to Mexico in exchange for meth and heroin.

More than 300 law enforcement authorities served 12 simultaneous search warrants Thursday morning. During the operation, agents and officers recovered seven guns, cocaine, heroin and meth.

Authorities also recovered 34 luxury cars worth an estimated $2 million during their investigation.

The investigation is ongoing and more charges may be forthcoming.

KOAT Action 7 News is following this story and will update it as soon as more information is available.

Read more: http://www.koat.com/news/22-arrested...#ixzz35m12oyfE