3 Arizona Cops Arrested For Drug Smuggling and Human Trafficking

Arizona authorities have confirmed three employees of the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office have been arrested for their involvement in a drug smuggling and human trafficking ring. The trio – one deputy and two detention officers, was among 12 people arrested in a bust earlier this week.

Maricopa County Sheriff Joe Arpaio, also known as “America’s toughest sheriff,” identified the suspects as Deputy Alfredo Navarrette, who had worked on an anti-smuggling unit; and detention officers Sylvia Najera and Marcella Hernandez.

Navarrette is accused of providing information to the trafficking ringleaders as well as transporting illegal immigrants to California. At the time of his arrest, Navarrette was housing two illegal immigrants at his home. He faces felony charges of human trafficking, participating in a criminal organization and money laundering. "That a deputy sheriff would provide information and associate with these drug and human traffickers is despicable," Arpaio told reporters Thursday.

Najera and Hernandez are both accused of smuggling drugs and money laundering. Hernandez is 8 months pregnant with the child of Lorenzo Arce-Torres, who was the leader of the trafficking ring.

"We have enough problems on violence - not to have moles in my own organization to put my deputies in danger," Arpaio added.

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