HikeArizona.COM

Sheriff Paul Babeu is warning hikers and campers in Western Pinal County to be extremely vigilant.
http://www.abc15.com/n...

According to PCSO, Mexican cartels are sending the "sicarios" -- groups of assassins -- to kill rivals trying to steal their drugs. The armed enforcers are expected to target "rip crews", who ambush other transport groups to steal their drugs and money. . . .

Multiple gun battles in areas south of Pinal County between cartel assassins and rival drug runners have been reported to law enforcement agencies. Pinal deputies have also seen a rise in armed encounters with cartel drug runners, PCSO said.

This would be out by I-8, right?

Time to carry extra ammo

Besides the obvious political motivations behind this particular news release, I'm going to try to avoid stealing any cartel's drugs and worry more about the more dangerous act of driving to the trailhead in the future. Phew!

Jim_H wrote:This would be out by I-8, right?

That would be my guess. Out by the Table Top wilderness and the Vekol Wash (fecal wash). [ description ]

chumley wrote:Besides the obvious political motivations behind this particular news release. . .

Is it political if it is true? Is it political if it assists public safety?

"We are taking this threat seriously and believe that the public and my deputies deserve to know that there is an elevated risk of encountering gun violence," Sheriff Paul Babeu said of the cartel assassins.

Drive safely.

chumley wrote:Besides the obvious political motivations behind this particular news release. . .

Is it political if it is true? Is it political if it assists public safety?

"We are taking this threat seriously and believe that the public and my deputies deserve to know that there is an elevated risk of encountering gun violence," Sheriff Paul Babeu said of the cartel assassins.

Drive safely.

I'm going to try to avoid stealing any cartel's drugs and worry more about the more dangerous act of driving to the trailhead in the future. Phew!

Al_HikesAZ wrote:Is it political if it is true?

It's political if it comes from the mouth of an official that needs publicity to get re-elected.

Note: I'm not suggesting it's not true. There have actually been three incidents of gun battles. But I am suggesting it's not the "sky-is-falling" news he's making out to be. He got the publicity he wanted. Random hikers are not involved in these gun battles. Nor is this any different than it has been in recent memory. Be smart. Be aware of your surroundings. Or stay home and watch tv tell you about all the bad things that could happen to you if you go outside.

chumley wrote:It's political if it comes from the mouth of an official that needs publicity to get re-elected.

So by that logic, anything said by any politician is political? Ipso facto

Al_HikesAZ wrote:So by that logic, anything said by any politician is political? Ipso facto

Yes. And if you don't believe that, I feel bad for you.

It's true, but it's not anything new. Been going on ever since they stepped up border patrols and tightened the security at the border crossings, and thereby pushed the smuggling action far north of where it used to be.

I lived in Hidden Valley for thirteen years, moving out in 2013. I could tell stories ...

There is no doubt what is going on with the trafficers as seen by the many post ups here. Myself I would be more concerned about running into Sheriff Babeu in his whitie tighties taking selfies.

Alston_Neal wrote:....... running into Sheriff Babeu in his whitie tighties taking selfies.

:yuck:,

How many of these "sicarios" are just ex lovers that Babeu is mad at again?

Once again, politicians and the media have sensationalized a situation that has a grain of truth to it. The article referenced above was one article away from one titled "SCARY! 10 things to know about 'flying' cactus"--so I guess we need to avoid all areas of the state with cholla too. Typical media nonsense.

The cartels have moved drugs through that area for years, and, yes, if the threat has increased, we should be made aware of it, but it seems to be a bit overblown. So far, to my knowledge, no hikers or campers in the area have been injured by drug smugglers, and I'm guessing the cartels aren't too interested in bringing attention upon themselves by bothering recreational hikers. I'd say, don't approach anyone who doesn't seem like a friendly hiker and mind your own business out there, and there's not too much to worry about.

On the other hand, if the situation really is that bad, I have a big issue with swaths of our state being overrun by criminals, to the point that citizens are in danger simply by being out there, without much being done about it. That's probably getting a bit off topic here though...

This warning from the Sheriff of Pinal County suggests "vote for me as I am also running to be your Congressman". Just sayin....

@SuperstitionGuy I figured he was pushing to be President Trump's Attorney General!

I'll be glad when the elections are over. After reading all these intelligent post it sounds like after the elections everyone thinks the drug problem will end as it is all political strategy for now.