Arizona Governor wants major funding for border security

PHOENIX (KSAZ) - A high-level meeting was held at the Arizona State Capitol, the focus on targeting drug and human smuggling in Arizona.

Arizona's Governor Doug Ducey testified before U.S. lawmakers and others, calling on the state legislature to authorized tens of millions for a DPS unit called the Border Strike Force which would crack down on heroin and other dangerous drugs and human smuggling.

The Governor introduced the team following a hearing on heroin. That hearing included Senators McCain and Flake and discussed ways to decrease demand for the drug and cut off the supply from Mexico.

Bundles of drugs and guns were on display at the state capitol, just some of the illegal items seized by the Border Strike Force.

"The border strike force has been in operation for two months, and we've already seized $2.2 million in cash, multiple firearms, nearly 4,000 pounds of marijuana, 73 pounds of meth, and 19 pounds of heroin," said Ducey.

Ducey says he will ask the legislature for tens of millions to fund more helicopters, planes, technology, and more to stop the flow of illegal drugs and human smuggling.

"The threat to Arizona is not just as a drug corridor, these drugs stay in our state, poison our children, and do great harm to our communities," said Sen. John McCain.

In fact according to the CDC from 2002-2013 deaths from heroin overdoses nearly quadrupled. The Governor says the force would work to cut off the supply of the deadly drug.

"Arizona must hold the line for the sake of every state, and every community, and every family in this country, and we intend to do so," said Ducey.