PHOENIX -- The Arizona Department of Public Safety said an illegal immigrant drop house was uncovered in west Phoenix on Wednesday.

DPS officers, along with Phoenix police, raided the house in the Maryvale area.

"When we did that, we had a couple of people run from the location. A short foot pursuit ensued and those people were taken into custody," said DPS Sgt. Fred Zumbo.

A DPS news release said officers operating as part of the Impact Arizona Operation discovered 18 undocumented immigrants -- 15 men and three women -- inside the home. "The air conditioning was running. People said that they hadn't had any water for a couple of days. That's kind of why the fire department is here, helping us out, but they seem to be in pretty good shape," said Zumbo.

The initial search also turned up two long rifles and a shotgun.

The raid is the result of a three-month investigation.

DPS said three suspected coyotes were arrested and booked for human smuggling. The undocumented immigrants will be turned over to immigration officials.