Drug Cartels in America: Sinaloa Cartel-Linked Cell Busted in AZ

(The Blaze/AP) – Authorities say they have busted up an elaborate drug trafficking cell in Tempe, Ariz., that is linked to the deadly Sinaloa Cartel from Mexico. It is just the latest in a string of cartel-related criminal activity in the United States.

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Tempe police announced Friday that 20 people have been arrested and $2.4 million was found after a six month investigation involving local and federal authorities.

After obtaining 15 search warrants, police said they also seized an airplane, 14 weapon and three tons of marijuana.

Doug Coleman, said DEA Special Agent in Charge, said the bust was part of an effort called "Operation Nayarit Stampede" aimed at attacking a drug trafficking organization that stretched across the Mexico border and into Arizona.

Officials said the operation sent drugs to New York, Alabama, California and throughout other parts of the country.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

This story is developing and updates may be added.