PHOENIX — Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office detectives and U.S. Customs and Border Protection agents joined forces to arrest three suspects hauling nearly two tons of marijuana and 220 pounds of methamphetamine, after they were spotted driving two trucks around a Border Patrol checkpoint.
The estimated street value of the drugs is $2 million, said a release from the sheriff’s office.
Sheriff’s detectives saw two trucks avoid a border checkpoint and drive into an uninhabited desert area with their lights off Wednesday night.
“Tire deflation devices were deployed ahead of the trucks to prevent a potential vehicle pursuit, and both trucks were rendered inoperable after striking the devices,” the sheriff’s release said.
Four suspects fled from the trucks on foot. The detectives worked with with CBP agents, including air support, to apprehend three of the suspects.
The trucks, which had been reported as stolen, were carrying license plates that did not match the vehicles.
The three suspects were booked into the Fourth Avenue Jail on charges of possession and transportation of dangerous drugs for sale, and possession and transportation of marijuana for sale.
They were listed as Jose Jaime Garcia-Lopez, 30, Yoni Ontiveros-Torres, 48, and Ruben Espericueta-Jiminez, 46.
“This seizure is an example of exceptional police work by our deputies and law enforcement partners,” Sheriff Paul Penzone said in a release, adding that there is an epidemic of drug abuse. “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.”