Smugglers moving cargo through forest boundaries

[Jeffshadows]

Not that this is really "news" to most of us; but the fact that law enforcement is taking it more seriously might be...

Smugglers moving cargo through forest boundaries

by Lorraine Rivera

If you enjoy the great outdoors, you could start to see more reinforcements here in Southern Arizona.

Beginning next month the U.S. Forest Service will deploy ten additional law enforcement officers equipped with K-9 units. The agency says it's in response to smuggling activity through various mountain ranges in Southern Arizona.

Bob Aydelotte has been a law enforcement officer for 20 years, he first encountered smuggling activity in 1991, "They may be using the trail, they may be on the trail, they may be camped in the drainage," he said. He said the new agents are necessary, "It's to move those people out; we will never stop it but we want to the public to enjoy this area."

Popular recreation spots include the Pajarita Wilderness and Madera Canyon. The Forest Service placed signs warning people of the possibility of encountering smuggling activity.

Aydelotte said, "You may encounter people that are doing illegal trafficking or whatever in your daily adventure," but he maintains enjoying the wilderness is safe, "It's as safe as anywhere else you want it to be you have to be aware of your surroundings not only for people but also for the animals," he said.

And there's more than smuggling activity, Aydelotte showed News 4 three vehicles abandoned on federal lands, "It's not profitable for a towing company or a salvage company to get because there's not much to salvage. They spend more money [...] to come get them to get them crushed than they make off them."

The Forest Service says four officers will patrol the Sierra Vista region, another four will be in Nogales and two will be in Douglas. They are expected to begin sometime in August.

[Hoffmaster]

If that's the case, then I stand down.