Authorities Seize $2M in Illegal Drugs at US-Mexico Border
$2 million worth of methamphetamine and marijuana was seized in Arizona this week
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Authorities in Arizona have seized methamphetamine and marijuana, with an estimated street value of around $2 million, as it was stopped during an illegal crossing at the US-Mexico border.
Officials announced the major drug bust on Friday after 3 smugglers were arrested and two trucks loaded with narcotics were apprehended.
Wednesday's drug haul yielded roughly 200 pounds of meth and 3,500 pounds of cannabis, the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office revealed in a news release.
The bust was a collaboration between the Sheriff's department and Customs and Border Protection agents as part of the County Drug Suppression Task Force (MCDST).
The Sheriff's office says authorities operating near Gila Bend spotted “two trucks avoid a border checkpoint and drive into an uninhabited desert area with their lights off.”
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According to Fox News, tire deflation devices were set up and the vehicles “were rendered inoperable” after coming in contact with them, they added.
Four suspects allegedly took off from the area on foot, the sheriff’s office said.
“Detectives coordinated with CBP agents and air support, and three of the suspects were subsequently apprehended,” according to authorities.
“The vehicles, loaded with bricks of methamphetamine and marijuana, had been reported stolen and were driving with fictitious license plates.”
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The apprehended suspects were identified as Jose Jaime Garcia-Lopez, Yoni Ontiveros-Torres, and Ruben Espericueta-Jiminez.
All three were booked in jail on charges of possession and transportation of dangerous drugs for sale and possession and transportation of marijuana for sale, the sheriff’s office said.
“This seizure is an example of exceptional police work by our deputies and law enforcement partners,” Sheriff Penzone said in the news release.
“It is also an example that the demand for drugs continues to be epidemic.
"Illicit drugs are the most impactful contributor to violence, crime, and gang activity that continues to adversely impact our community and our families.
"We will be unwavering in our commitment to hold the line."
