Despite pronouncements from Department of Homeland Security’s big “sis” Janet Napolitano that the southern U.S. border is “secure as ever,” the Pinal County SWAT team found several drug cartel lookout posts on the American side of the border.
The Pinal Regional SWAT team conducted a Desert Operation that focused on the interdiction of individuals/groups involved in smuggling of illicit drugs, illegal aliens, stolen vehicles, weapons, money and supplies for these activities.
Pinal County Sheriff’s Office remains aggressive in their approach to slow the trafficking of drug cartels as well as human smugglers. “This operation was in support of the U.S. Bureau of Land Management (BLM) to secure the area of the Sawtooth Mountains in preparation for a trash clean up,” said Tim Gaffney, media relations for Pinal County Sheriff Office.
During the operation, Pinal SWAT members assisted BLM employees by hiking to a suspected observation point that was being used to assist illegal smuggling organizations. “Once at this location, SWAT members located a sleeping bag, radio, two cell phones and associated trash,” Gaffney explained.