Arizona correctional officer arrested in Mexico for arms trafficking

Arizona authorities have confirmed that Yanet Dowden, a Level II correctional officer, was the individual arrested in San Luis Río Colorado, Mexico, on September 11. Dowden was apprehended by Mexican federal forces while in possession of a vehicle and 5,445 rounds of live ammunition.

Mexican authorities identified Dowden as a logistics operator for a faction of the Sinaloa Cartel, facilitating the trafficking of weaponry. The seizure of the ammunition is estimated to have caused an operational loss of approximately 1.65 million pesos to the criminal organization.

The Arizona Department of Corrections, Rehabilitation and Reentry (ADCRR) has placed Dowden on administrative leave and initiated formal dismissal proceedings in accordance with the state's Law Enforcement Officers' Bill of Rights. The ADCRR stated it is conducting an exhaustive review and will cooperate with ongoing investigations.