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16 US Marines Arrested in Human Smuggling Probe

Jeff Seldin

   PENTAGON - Sixteen U.S. Marines in California have been arrested in
   connection with an investigation that produced allegations of human
   smuggling and drug offenses, the Marine Corps said.

   Officials, including those with the Naval Criminal Investigative
   Service (NCIS), arrested the Marines early Thursday after they and
   hundreds of other Marines were called to a battalion formation at Camp
   Pendleton, 79 kilometers (49 miles) from San Diego.

   According the Marine Corps, the arrests stemmed from a previous human
   smuggling investigationthat resulted in two arrests.
   Marine and NCIS officials said additional information was not being
   released because the investigations were ongoing.
   "None of the Marines arrested or detained for questioning served in
   support of the Southwest Border Support mission," the Marine Corps said
   in a statement.
   Charges have yet to be filed in connection with the latest arrests.
   The Marine Corps said another eight Marines were also taken in for
   questioning on unrelateddrugallegations.
   Thursday's arrests came one day after U.S. Special Operations Command
   announced aNavySEAL platoon stationed in Iraq had been sent back to the
   United States early because of "perceived deterioration of good order
   and discipline."
   According to media reports, about 20 of the SEALs had been under
   investigation for drinking or for being aware of the drinking while not
   on duty.
   Drinking alcohol is forbidden during any combat deployments to the
   Middle East.