Inside ICE: Volume 2, Issue 10

ICE Arrests Three in Arizona for Smuggling Coke in Pickup

SELLS, Ariz. – Three local residents are facing federal charges after ICE agents, assisted by the Tohono O’Odham tribal police and a U.S. Customs and Border Protection Border Patrol canine unit, searched a pickup truck in this small southern Arizona community April 27 and recovered one of the largest caches of cocaine ever seized here.

The 1987 Ford pickup truck was parked outside a residence on the community’s north side. The Border Patrol canine alerted to two concealed compartments in the sides of the truck’s bed. Inside, agents found 406 pounds of cocaine.

The 44-year-old owner of the house, Arthur Pablo, told officers the truck belonged to Francine Joaquin, 34. Agents quickly located Joaquin and Duran Ortiz, 25. Ortiz said Joaquin drove him to the border where the two located the truck. Ortiz said his instructions were to drive the truck to Pablo’s house. Ortiz said he and Joaquin were to be paid an unspecified amount by Pablo for delivering the truck, which would then be transported to Tucson on Pablo’s flatbed trailer.

Joaquin, Ortiz and Pablo are in federal custody in Tucson and face charges of possession with intent to distribute cocaine. If convicted, the three face a maximum penalty of life in prison.

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ICE Arrests Three in Arizona for Smuggling Coke in Pickup

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Inside ICE is an e-newsletter produced by the ICE Office of Public Affairs to inform the public about the mission, operations and activities of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Please send comments and contributions to Russ Bergeron, Editor.

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Russ Bergeron, Editor
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