Arpaio blames 'illegal aliens' after seizing ton of pot -- but makes no arrests

Maricopa County Sheriff Joe Arpaio on Tuesday cited "illegal aliens" after seizing a ton of marijuana even though no arrests were made.

"Nearly a ton of marijuana with a street value of over $1 million was seized late last night by Maricopa County Sheriff’s deputies near Highway 238 in Mobile, Arizona, about 32 miles from downtown," according to a press advisory (PDF) from Arpaio's office.

Eighty bundles of marijuana weighing 2094.8 pounds were found in GMC pickup truck, but the "suspects fled on foot after deputies suspect they were tipped off by drug spotters."

The statement did not provide any descriptions of the suspects but noted that "Maricopa County Sheriff’s deputies have now arrested more than 20 illegal aliens and seized nearly two tons of marijuana" in the last month.

"Drug trafficking is increasing involving illegal aliens and I am preparing for another drug and illegal alien crime suppression operation," Arpaio said.

Photos provided by Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office showed that the truck's license plate was from Alberta, Canada.

A 2008 Justice Department probe found that the Arpaio’s office "promoted a culture of bias" against Latinos.

The Justice Department said last week that it would sue Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office over civil rights abuses after efforts to settle the case had failed.

Photo: Maricopa County Sheriff's Office