Sinaloa Cartel Scout Arrested in Maricopa: A Major Capture

Federal agents apprehended a suspected cartel scout in the 85139 ZIP code, located just south of Maricopa, Arizona, according to U.S. Border Patrol reports released on Friday.

The arrest is part of an ongoing operation by agents from the Casa Grande station. On February 24, agents located a Mexican national in the Maricopa Mountains, situated between the town of Maricopa and Interstate 8. Investigations revealed that the individual had ties to the Los Memos transnational criminal organization, a group affiliated with the Sinaloa Cartel.

During the arrest, the man confessed to illegally crossing the border, and agents discovered various “observation devices” typically utilized by cartel scouts in his possession.

In a subsequent incident, agents detained two more men in the Silverbell Mountains for illegal entry into the United States. Found in strategic locations often used by human and drug traffickers, these individuals were also equipped with surveillance equipment and solar panels connected to batteries.

Chief Patrol Agent Sean McGoffin of the Tucson Sector highlighted the partnership with the U.S. Attorney’s office in bolstering border security. “Taking away the eyes and ears of the smugglers makes it harder to move people and contraband, making it safer for agents and communities on both sides of the international border,” stated McGoffin.

McGoffin noted on X, previously known as Twitter, that Casa Grande agents successfully apprehended three illegal alien scouts and one guide, with two confirmed links to the Los Memos faction of the Sinaloa Cartel.

The Sinaloa Cartel was designated a transnational criminal organization and a Foreign Terrorist Organization by the U.S. State Department on President Donald J. Trump’s first day in office through Executive Order 14157.