Portales man arrested in drug seizure

The Associated Press

PEORIA, Ariz. (AP) — A New Mexico man and two Mexican citizens have been arrested after authorities seized about 85 pounds of cocaine at a Peoria home.

Arizona Department of Public Safety officers served a search warrant at the house Tuesday. Detectives were searching for money, drugs and suspects believed to be linked to a Mexican-based drug cartel.

In addition to the cocaine worth an estimated $1 million, the DPS seized more than $28,000 in cash and two vehicles.

Taken into custody were 35-year-old Omar Carin Murillo Montoya of Hermosillo, 35-year-old Guillermo Alonso Palomino Cota of Nogales and 43-year-old Benjamin Dominquez Ruiz of Portales.

The DPS says the three men are facing several charges including transportation and possession of narcotic drugs and money laundering.