Marines say human smuggling investigation spurs 16 arrests

SAN DIEGO (AP) — Military officials have arrested 16 Marines after an investigation into human smuggling.

The Marine Corps said the arrests at Camp Pendleton, Calif., were carried out during a battalion formation this morning at the base, north of San Diego. It is about 55 miles from the U.S.-Mexico border.

The Marines said in a news release that information gained after two Marines were arrested on human smuggling charges earlier this summer led to the arrests.

Officials say the Marines are charged with various illegal activities ranging from human smuggling to drug-related offenses.

Another eight are being questioned about their alleged involvement in drug offenses as part of a separate investigation.

The military says none of the Marines were involved in helping to enforce border security.