Nogales, AZ police at disadvantage in fighting drug smugglers

[Lucinda F. Boyd]

NOGALES, Ariz. (KGUN9-TV) - The Nogales, Arizona Police Department says it will not be stopped by threats from drug cartels. But Nine On Your Side has learned Nogales police are also threatened by a lack of funding. Outdated tools are putting its officers at a disadvantage when it comes to fighting drug smugglers.

Last weekend, a Mexican drug cartel issued a threat to shoot off-duty officers who bust up their loads. Officer Victor Hertherington said, "The border is always scary. Always very scary."

Captain Heriberto Zuniga tells Nine On Your Side Nogales police officers are also challenged with an even bigger threat: budget cuts, cramped facilities and out-dated tools.

Patrol officers say their rifles are no match for drug smugglers. Nine On Your Side's Steve Nunez asked Zuniga, "Do you want to match weapon for weapon?" Zuniga said, "Not necessarily weapon per weapon because they're using AK-47's and because we're in the city limits I think it's a lot more dangerous."

To keep up with drug smugglers, Zuniga says officers need a faster and higher caliber rifle that can penetrate their top notch bullet proof vests. Still, their disadvantage doesn't end there. The department's two-way radio system often experiences dead-spots. And because its not incripted, drug smugglers can and do tune in to identify officers and to track their positions.

Nunez asked, "Are officers safety in jeopardy out on the street?" Zuniga responded, "On face value no. They're out there doing their job doing what they are trained to do. They always have to keep in mind the nature of the call what type of call for service they're responding to."

Right now, only 20 of its 65 police cars are equipped with computers so officers can, in turn, track criminals.

Nunez asked, "So who do you blame for all of this?" Zuniga said, "It's just economics in general." Nunez then asked, "Could there have been better planning?" Zuniga responded, "Would've, could've, should've. Yea, there could have been better planning."

The Nogales Police Department has also out-grown its headquarters. The 13 office station was built in 1978 to house a staff of 30. Today, there are 85 employees including 65 officers.

Nogales police says they are currently applying for a $3 million grant. If granted, the money would be used to build a new police station. The police station also plans to apply for grant money to buy new police equipment.

Nogales police say more budget cuts are expected. They say border crime has scared away shoppers and less tax revenues means less money for police...