Cocaine Bust - AZ tribal members arrested in cocaine bust

SELLS, Ariz. (AP) – Nine Tohono O'odham tribal members and one other person have been arrested by tribal police in connection with a cocaine smuggling ring.

Officials say eight of the 10 people face federal charges of possession with intent to distribute cocaine. Two others were arrested on state and tribal charges.

An early morning sweep of seven homes in Sells on Saturday marked the culmination of a five-month, multiagency investigation that was led by the tribe's police department.

U.S. Attorney Dennis Burke says it's the first time tribal police have executed federal warrants on the Tohono O'odham Nation.

Tribal police recently completed federal training that certified officers to investigate and make arrests on federal charges, which are stiffer than tribal charges.

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Information from: Arizona Daily Star, http://www.azstarnet.com