Drug Bust in Arizona Disrupts an International Drug Ring
By: Stephanie Castillo
Updated: December 21, 2011
ARIZONA -- Officials in Tempe, Arizona say they've dealt a blow to an
international drug trafficking organization. More than 200 people
were arrested after a 15-month long investigation.
The investigation started after a Tempe Police Officer witnessed a drug deal going down. Then the DEA joined the Police for Operation Crank Call and Hornswoggle.
Investigators discovered it was an international drug trafficking organization, and they have put 203 people behind bars.
In addition to the 44 guns police confiscated they seized 650 lbs marijuana, 435 lbs meth, 123 lbs cocaine, 4.5 lbs. heroine and $7.8 million in cash. They found all the contraband items in car trunks, houses and apartment complexes.
Officials say it links back to the Sinaloa Cartel. Right now its not clear how much damage the bust did to the cartel's operation.
Officials added the ring also did business in Nevada, Wyoming, California, Colorado, Oklahoma, Utah, Kansas and Missouri.
But the investigation isn't over, more arrests are to come and Arizona Attorney General Tom Horne says the focus needs to be squashing the demand for these drugs.
The investigation started after a Tempe Police Officer witnessed a drug deal going down. Then the DEA joined the Police for Operation Crank Call and Hornswoggle.
Investigators discovered it was an international drug trafficking organization, and they have put 203 people behind bars.
In addition to the 44 guns police confiscated they seized 650 lbs marijuana, 435 lbs meth, 123 lbs cocaine, 4.5 lbs. heroine and $7.8 million in cash. They found all the contraband items in car trunks, houses and apartment complexes.
Officials say it links back to the Sinaloa Cartel. Right now its not clear how much damage the bust did to the cartel's operation.
Officials added the ring also did business in Nevada, Wyoming, California, Colorado, Oklahoma, Utah, Kansas and Missouri.
But the investigation isn't over, more arrests are to come and Arizona Attorney General Tom Horne says the focus needs to be squashing the demand for these drugs.
