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Giant human smuggling ring broken up
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A major task force investigation has resulted in the arrests of 62 suspected human smugglers, hundreds of illegal immigrants and millions of dollars in cash and real estate, authorities said Wednesday.
The financial crimes task force comprised of Phoenix police, the Arizona Department of Public Safety, federal Bureau of Immigration and Customs Enforcement and state Attorney General's office announced the arrests and seizures at a news conference at Phoenix police headquarters.
“Today, we've got results,” Phoenix Mayor Phil Gordon said.
Phoenix Police Chief Jack Harris said besides the suspected smugglers, police located 528 undocumented immigrants and seized 11 weapons, 62 vehicles, six real estate locations valued at $1.7 million, $4.8 million in cash, five kilograms of cocaine and about three pounds of marijuana.
The task force efforts will make a significant impact on drug and immigrant smuggling activities in the Valley, Harris said.
The bust focused on multiple “coyote groups” of varying sizes, including some “mom and pop” organizations that dabble in both illegal drugs and immigrant smuggling, said Glen Gardner, commander of the drug enforcement bureau for Phoenix police, who supervised a portion of the financial investigation.
The larger organizations will be the focus of further investigations, he said.
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