$100K of pot seized during traffic stop near Maricopa, Arizona

MARICOPA, AZ - A Department of Public Safety officer had his hands full Sunday morning when he tried to pull over three suspicious vehicles on SR-347 near Maricopa.

DPS officials told ABC15, before the officer could pull the vehicles over, one of the trucks he was trying to stop tried to ram his car.

This led to a short pursuit which ended when law enforcement officers were able to stop all three vehicles near the 1-10 and Queen Creek Road.

Investigators said the suspects were trying to use two pickup trucks to block or distract the officer so an Escalade loaded with drugs and undocumented immigrants could escape.

"You've got to understand the desperation of human and drug smugglers in that they will do anything to get their cargo into the Phoenix area or where ever they are going and what we saw today was an example of that," said DPS spokesman Bart Graves.

Officers said eight people were arrested, but one of the drivers was able to escape.

The marijuana seized is worth an estimated $100,000.

DPS officials said no one was hurt in the incident. No suspect names or ages are being released at this time, pending further investigation.