PHOENIX (AP) - Authorities say they've arrested 17 suspected drug smugglers in central and southern Arizona and also seized more than 935 pounds of marijuana, 12 weapons, 1,000 rounds of ammunition and $35,000 in cash.
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents and Pinal County Sheriff's deputies served a dozen search warrants Thursday morning in an effort to dismantle a suspected drug smuggling organization in Casa Grande.
Authorities say the ring was moving smuggled narcotics from the Mexican border through the Arizona desert and into Phoenix.
Six search warrants were served in Casa Grande; two in Stanfield and one each in Phoenix; Tucson; Marana and on the Gila River Indian Community.
Authorities say the Casa Grande drug ring was responsible for smuggling up to 50,000 pounds of marijuana a month through Arizona.
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents and Pinal County Sheriff's deputies served a dozen search warrants Thursday morning in an effort to dismantle a suspected drug smuggling organization in Casa Grande.
Authorities say the ring was moving smuggled narcotics from the Mexican border through the Arizona desert and into Phoenix.
Six search warrants were served in Casa Grande; two in Stanfield and one each in Phoenix; Tucson; Marana and on the Gila River Indian Community.
Authorities say the Casa Grande drug ring was responsible for smuggling up to 50,000 pounds of marijuana a month through Arizona.
Copyright 2011 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
