The seizures occurred. Police said on Nov. 9, the Street Crime unit made two "huge" drug busts, seizing Fentanyl pills, methamphetamine, heroin and cocaine. The Drug Enforcement Administration, or DEA, said in a Thursday statement, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. After loss prevention identified the individuals, authorities set up surveillance near Moore and Benders home. It's being backpacked into the country.". The suspects, Francisco Delgado, 26, and Jose Molina, 21, are now facing multiple drug-related charges. These include fentanyl consumed either on its own or mixed with other drugs, the report, released earlier this month, said. The FBI said its Southern Arizona Violent Crime and Gang Task Force served 11 warrants in Pima and Santa Cruz counties on Thursday, Feb. 3. The DEA has seized a record 20 million fentanyl pills nationwide this year, including more than 9.5 million in Arizona alone. On Tuesday, three suspects attempted to traffic 10 pounds of meth and. Yuma, Arizona Mayor Douglas Nicholls on the border crisis and how the Biden administrations open border policies have made it easier for cartels to transport drugs. Currently, it is one of the top substances leading to lethal drug overdose in the United States. (Tempe PD). Mutual Fund and ETF data provided by Refinitiv Lipper. Up to Speed Catch up on the latest news and stories on . Officers with the Fiesta and Red Mountain Street Crimes Units conducted the second operation, resulting in the arrest of Raymond Rivera Cabrera, 42. The drug bust happened as officers were working near 19th Avenue and Dunlap, and learned about a car that was possibly transporting drugs. Arizona border officers stop loads of over 200,000 fentanyl - Fox News Silent Witness is offering up to $1,000 for information leading to an arrest. Powered and implemented by FactSet Digital Solutions. In connection with the investigation, the FBI also executed over a dozen search warrants on June 23, 2022, leading to the additional seizure of ammunition, narcotics, and 62 firearms," the news release said. The Drug Enforcement Administration, or DEA, said in a Thursday statement that the three-year-long investigation targeted the Mexican Sinaloa Cartel. or redistributed. Three suspects wanted for apparent Dairy Queen spoon theft in west Phoenix. The investigation uncovered an individual who they suspected of transporting drugs for the organization. ARIZONA BORDER PORT OF ENTRY NABS OVER 500,000 FENTANYL PILLS IN SINGLE WEEKEND. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, Police said Cabrera was in possession of 28,500 fentanyl pills, 7.5 ounces of methamphetamine, 2 grams of cocaine, $3,183 in cash, and a 9mm handgun with boxes of ammunition. Let's take a look at some of our biggest, most recent drug busts in Arizona. AZ International Auto Show & New Car Buyer's Guide 2020 Model Year, Your California Privacy Rights/Privacy Policy. The drugs were hidden in large, buffet-style trays of food. Fentanyl, which has really hit the market for us, is what is driving our opioid crisis not just in Arizona, not just in this region, but across the country.. In Pinal County, deputies seized 227,000 fentanyl pills from a smuggler's car. MESA, AZ A federal and local drug task force has arrested three members of the Sinaloa Cartel living in the Valley. The CDC reported in July that 93,000 people died of drug overdoses across the US with Arizona seeing a 33% increase over the previous year. The Pinal County Sheriff's Office released a dramatic pursuit video that ended in the arrest of three Phoenix residents and the seizure of hundreds of fentanyl pills and guns. DEA, Tempe Police nab 4.5M fentanyl pills, 3,000 lbs of meth during joint operation. Approximately 135 kilos of cocaine, 140 pounds of fentanyl powder, 149 firearms, and $2 million in cash were taken during the investigation. The three men were found to be in possession of 714,300 fentanyl pills, 3.5 pounds of fentanyl powder, 6 pounds of methamphetamine, 3.6 pounds of heroin, 2 pounds of cocaine, and $17,039. "Just after midnight on . Prescott Valley police officers decided to set up surveillance near the home of Tyler Moore, 26, and Brittany Benders, 25, after the business reported on April 19 they had stolen $483.45 worth of Pokmon cards, according to authorities. (Tempe PD). Its cross-border operations stretch deep into the United States, reaching states far from the border including Minnesota, Washington State, and Rhode Island, according to the Drug Enforcement Administration. "A number of the defendants are also charged with possession with intent to distribute cocaine and possession with intent to distribute fentanyl," a news release said. (Even trained athletes have been caught off guard by getting dehydrated on Arizona trails. The investigation which charged 150 individuals was jointly conducted by the DEA, the Tempe Police, and the Arizona Attorney General, the press release states. Both Moore and Bender face multiple charges including possession of dangerous drugs, possession of narcotic drugs, possession of a weapon in a drug offense and endangerment. 2023 FOX Television Stations, from MON 11:00 AM MST until MON 7:00 PM MST, Western Pima-South Central Pinal-Tohono Oodham Nation, Eastern Pima-Southeastern Pinal-Santa Cruz-Western Cochise, from MON 11:00 AM MST until MON 8:00 PM MST, Central Deserts, until SUN 5:00 PM MST, Maricopa County, Yuma County, Yuma County, from FRI 11:40 PM MST until TUE 11:30 PM MST, Maricopa County, from MON 9:00 AM MST until MON 11:00 PM MST, Northwest Plateau, Northwest Deserts, Lake Mead National Recreation Area, from SUN 11:59 AM MDT until TUE 12:00 AM MDT, Apache County, $1.25M worth of fentanyl, meth, heroin recovered by authorities in Phoenix, DEA says, 'Fetty Jeff' arrested after police seize fentanyl, meth, mushrooms, guns in north Phoenix drug bust, Murder, Money and the End of Days: The Lori Vallow story, Lori Vallow trial: Full-length audio files from inside the courtroom. Arizona Published November 17, 2022 7:41pm EST Arizona police make 'largest drug bust' in department's history, seize more than 700k fentanyl pills Mesa police said one of the two busts was. Whats the white residue on the banks of Salt River? Officials said the pills represented 30 million potentially lethal doses. PHOENIX An multi-agency investigation into a drug trafficking cartel resulted in a record fentanyl seizure in metro Phoenix, authorities said Thursday. The seized drugs included 4.5 million fake prescription pills laced with fentanyl, 145 pounds of fentanyl powder, 304 pounds of cocaine, 3,100 pounds of methamphetamine, and 77 pounds of heroin, the release stated. ", First published on January 19, 2023 / 6:59 PM. Last year DEA Arizona seized over $22 million fentanyl laced fake prescription pills, 500 kilograms of fentanyl powder, over 10,000 pounds of methamphetamine, over 1400 kilograms of cocaine and over 400 pounds of heroin. CBP Officers discovered more than 600 . According to court documents, the incident began as officers conducting a search warrant on a cellphone from an unrelated incident and found a text message from "Fetty Jeff.". On January 20, the DEA arrested three men believed to be distributing meth as well as pills. In a previous report, FOX 10 sat down with the Special Agent in Charge at the Phoenix Field Division of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) the day before another drug bust was announced. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Thanks for contacting us. Two arrests . CBP officers at the . Pokmon card theft leads to drug bust and weapons charges in Arizona SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. The Scottsdale Police Department announced Thursday its officers and law enforcement partners have recently seized $9 million worth of fentanyl pills. All rights reserved. Loss prevention had reported to have seen the two shoplift items such as baseball and football cards, among other items, police said. TEMPE, AZ A large-scale drug investigation in the Valley led to the seizure of millions of fentanyl pills, thousands of pounds of meth and more. The bust took place on Tuesday, and aside from the roughly 360 pounds of fentanyl pills, authorities also confiscated 10 kilos of powdered fentanyl and 1 pound of methamphetamine. That is a life lost in this country every five minutes every five minutes we lose someone to opioids.. By clicking Sign Up, I confirmthat I have read and agreeto the Privacy Policy and Terms of Service. Arizona troopers seize enough fentanyl to kill nearly 800,000 people During the search, Phoenix police found more than one million fentanyl pills. In one case, officers with the Central and Super Street Crimes Unit arrested Jesus Rojas Romero, 36; Alex Ruiz, 20; and Christian Valles Castro, 22. TUCSON, Ariz. - U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers at the Nogales Commercial Facility seized methamphetamine March 9 from a Mexican national when he attempted to enter the United States through the Port of Nogales. Fentanyl is the single deadliest drug threat the nation has encountered, says the United States Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), and that's why it launched National Fentanyl Day, raising awareness of how deadly the drug is. According to police, officers were investigating a person suspected of selling drugs, and after obtaining a search warrant, drugs, weapons, and cash were seized from the suspect's car and apartment in Phoenix. By clicking Sign up, you agree to receive marketing emails from Insider 1:48. Quotes displayed in real-time or delayed by at least 15 minutes. Record breaking meth bust in Arizona | ICE He added supply and demand play a part in any business, so if the U.S. and Arizona can lessen the demand for drugs like this, thats one way this crisis could improve. In 2022, DEA seized more than double the amount of fentanyl-laced, fake prescription pills that it seized in 2021. Manuel . Nearly 1M fentanyl pills seized from Avondale home; largest bust in Four out of every 10 pills seized had a lethal dose. 0:04. "There's so many different ways that it can be smuggled in the United States," said Leo Lamas, special agent in charge of HSI. I mean its a real Herculean challenge from both sides of the border, said Ioan Grillo, one of the Arizonan officials trying to find ways to take on the Sinaloa cartel. Two individuals were arrested Saturday in Prescott Valley for shoplifting nearly $500 worth of Pokmon cards which also led authorities to find an assortment of drug paraphernalia . You kill 100 people, theres still probably 100,000 cartel operatives here in Mexico, so youre not going to change that. I did. 2 arrested after 1 million fentanyl pills found, 'largest bust' in Yuma mayor Douglas Nicholls: Open border allows easier entry of drugs, including fentanyl. Quotes displayed in real-time or delayed by at least 15 minutes. Task Force Busts Major Fentanyl Supplier - Phoenix, Arizona All rights reserved. Pokmon card theft leads to drug bust and weapons charges in Arizona Arizona is a major distribution site of the deadly opioid, with the state accounting for more than half of all fentanyl pills seized by DEA agents nationwide in 2022, FOX 10 reports . Support local journalism. "There are few families in our state and across our country that haven't been touched in some way by the scourge of the opioid epidemic and fentanyl crisis," Attorney General Kris Mayes said. The fentanyl had been smuggled in a pickup truck and made it nearly 150 miles north of the border, authorities said. 2 arrested after 1 million fentanyl pills found, largest bust in Phoenix police history. Phoenix police say it is the single largest fentanyl seizure in the departments history. The DEA has seized a record 20 million fentanyl pills nationwide this year, including more than 9.5 million in Arizona alone. 2023 FOX News Network, LLC. "On a recent traffic stop, officers seized 750 fentanyl pills, drug paraphernalia, and a stolen firearm. Both suspects were booked into the Maricopa County jail. Federal agents and police swept across the region Thursday morning to make arrests in a major drug investigation dubbed "Operation Lake Effect" involving a ring operating in Arizona and distributing fentanyl and other drugs to dealers in Western Pennsylvania and Cleveland. Some 700,000 lives were potentially saved by the historic bust, Oz said. A Pokemon card thief has been arrested in Prescott Valley, Arizona for stealing trading cards worth about $500. Arizona weather forecast: Triple-digit temperatures are back, but for how long? Chemical for possible fentanyl production seized in Tucson Career Pokemon card thieves were arrested in Prescott Valley, Arizona, for allegedly stealing almost $500 worth of trading cards, which lead to a series of drug and firearms charges.AZ Central reports that two individuals ages 25 and 26 were caught shoplifting after a local business reported a theft of Pokemon cards worth $483.46. Mexican drug cartels ensure that the elements that go into making fentanyl are shipped separately, making it hard to stop the distribution. Legal Statement. And most of them are hidden in cities, towns, and houses and moving around. The Arizona-Mexico border is no exception to the number of deadly drugs making their way over and killing many, and getting even more people in trouble with authorities. Youre not going to take out the cartel that way, so its a very big challenge, said Grillo. Arizona weather forecast: Triple-digit temperatures are back, but for how long? UPDATE: Multi-agency sting nets nine arrests, seizures of drugs - KOLD Arizona high school holds second annual drag show, Buckeye woman stung more than 75 times during family photo shoot, first responders say, 12-year-old Arizona soccer player suffers cardiac arrest while at practice, Bryan Kohberger claims he has an alibi, Jerry Springer dead, body found in desert: this week's top stories, What to know about Arizona Humane's waived adoption fees through May 15, Motherly instincts kicks in before woman is stung dozens of times by bees, Arizona family says its 'experienced lifetimes of love' as young soccer player begins to heal. Police estimated the street value of the drugs to be over $4.4 million. PHOENIX (3TV/CBS 5) -- Police say two men were arrested after they, along with the Drug Enforcement Bureau, made their largest fentanyl bust in the citys history. So we need every law enforcement agency, every attorney general along the border but also across the country to be laser-focused on stopping this fentanyl.. "This investigation is a testament to our strong partnerships, which enable us to gain the necessary advantage over these evil criminal networks.". Get all the stories you need-to-know from the most powerful name in news delivered first thing every morning to your inbox. AZ Central Two people, aged 25 and 26, have reported shoplifting after a local business reported the theft of $483.46 worth of Pokemon cards.The April 19, 2023 theft was just the tip of the iceberg. Drugs seized in 6 of the largest fentanyl busts were enough - Fox News Couple visiting relives getting hit by Scottsdale police officer, Tubers cool off in Salt River as temps hit 100, the major drug bust was announced at our southern border and along Interstate 10 between Phoenix and Tucson. 2023 FOX News Network, LLC. So, its a place you bring in drugs from Mexico, from Sonora. More than $2 million worth of meth, guns and thousands of dollars were seized in a Phoenix drug bust, the police department says. A grand jury in Johnstown indicted 54 people in two indictments, all stemming from [] 2023 CBS Interactive Inc. All Rights Reserved. DEA, Arizona Attorney General & Tempe Police Announce 150+ Subjects Interim Police Chief Josie Montenegro said the narcotics would have been "poisoning members of our community, including our youth and our vulnerable population," had they not been seized. "This gang is known to distribute fentanyl and other drugs, along with firearms offenses, and other violent crimes," the FBI said. Moises Rojo Velazquez, 36, of Phoenix, Arizona, has been charged by criminal complaint with. Top editors give you the stories you want delivered right to your inbox each weekday. DEA numbers also show more than five tons of meth were seized in 2021. Agents confiscated more than 100pounds of precursor chemicals from the Tucson home, with some of those chemicals coming from China. PHOENIX Three men have been arrested after a large drug bust at a Phoenix car dealership. Arizona leads country in fentanyl pill seizures | Crime | kvoa.com The drugs, according to police, hold a street value of over $4.4 million. Four arrested after large drug bust in West Valley - KNXV It's coming in through people walking across the border. Fentanyl is a powerful synthetic opioid that is 50 times stronger than heroin and 100 times more powerful than morphine. Powered and implemented by FactSet Digital Solutions. Quotes displayed in real-time or delayed by at least 15 minutes. Arizona and federal law enforcement say they are going after the Sinaloa Cartel following a massive drug bust in Tempe. Mutual Fund and ETF data provided by Refinitiv Lipper. On February 7, the Phoenix PD's Mountain View Precinct Neighborhood Enforcement Team (NET) and the U.S. Drug . "The Sinaloa Cartel is responsible for nearly all deadly narcotics flooding into Arizona," the press release said. Using a multi-agency approach, the DEA launched the "One Pill Can Kill" campaign, urging the public to become more aware of the dangers of fentanyl-laced pills. "I want people to know that Cheyenne was a vibrant young woman that had her whole entire future ahead of her," Little said. Drugs and cash have a street value of $13 million, official said. That is a proposed bill making its way through the Arizona legislature right now. Powered and implemented by FactSet Digital Solutions. January 19, 2023 / 6:59 PM / CBS News Tucson, Arizona Before dawn on Thursday, Homeland Security agents huddled to brief on a raid in a quiet residential neighborhood in Tucson, Arizona.. Phoenix Police say after pulling over Matthew Hathaway and Rebecca Freyer near Interstate 17 and Bell Road, they served a search warrant and found large quantities of drugs, guns, and ammunition. A drug bust last year was hailed as the largest fentanyl bust in U.S. history254 pounds seized at an Arizona border crossing. Arizona leads the country in pill seizures, according to the Drug Enforcement Admiration there have been over 100,000 overdose deaths in this country. The target was a house where suspects possibly tied to fentanyl distribution allegedly operate. All rights reserved. Luis Ronaldo Nieblas-Beltran is facing a slew of drug charges, the DEA says. Cheri Oz says she is terrified, as authorities seized nearly 12 million fentanyl pills in 2021, which is double the amount seized in 2020. In addition, Mayes called the Sinaloa Drug Cartel out by name, saying in part that they are evil. Such remarks came as the Biden Administration sanctioned key members of the Sinaloa cartel that provided chemicals for their labs. In total, troopers confiscated an estimated $9.4 million worth of drugs, approximately 1,500 pounds of meth, fentanyl pills, and cocaine, over the course of four days. / CBS News. Drug Ring Tied to Aryan Prison Gang Indicted With 24 Federal Arrests Last year, the DEA in Arizona seized over $22 million in fentanyl-laced fake prescription pills and about 1,100 pounds of fentanyl powder, the press release said. PHOENIX - Twenty-two people are facing charges in connection to "conspiracy to distribute cocaine, conspiracy to distribute fentanyl, or both," says the U.S. Attorney's Office for the District . of meth and other drugs and made 150 arrests. Mesa Police seized over 700,000 fentanyl pills along with heroin, cocaine and methamphetamine in what the department says was the largest drug bust in the department's history. "The investigation targeted numerous LPC members and associates, as well as their drug suppliers. Access your favorite topics in a personalized feed while you're on the go. Stolen Pokmon cards lead to drug bust in Prescott Valley For comparison, that quantity would fit into the tip of a pencil. Quotes displayed in real-time or delayed by at least 15 minutes. The news conference comes just hours after the major drug bust was announced at our southern border and along Interstate 10 between Phoenix and Tucson. Grillo says traditionally, the cartel is much more cautious in carrying out murder in the U.S. rather than in Mexico. According to police, detectives were tipped off about the pair selling narcotic drugs. The April Mesa Police seized over 700,000 fentanyl pills along with heroin, cocaine and methamphetamine in what the department says was the largest drug bust in the department's history. Campaign enforcement includesincreasing public awareness, as well as seizing drugs, money,firearms and arresting traffickers. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, "We're looking for potential precursor chemicals," said Christian Webster, assistant special agent in charge of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI). Sign up for notifications from Insider! DEA said the Sinaloa Cartel is responsible . "It's that partnership at all levels in the state of Arizona the state partners, our municipal partners, and federal partners that really brings us to the success that we have today," said Scottsdale police Chief Jeff Walther, who said the seize was achieved in partnership with the Drug Enforcement Agency. Oz says a lot of the drugs are coming from Mexico. Tucson, Arizona Before dawn on Thursday, Homeland Security agents huddled to brief on a raid in a quiet residential neighborhood in Tucson, Arizona. DEA, Tempe Police nab 4.5M fentanyl pills, 3,000 lbs of meth during Fox News' Bill Melugin reports the latest on the drug bust. Two people are now behind bars as a result of the drug bust, which happened near 19th Avenue and Dunlap. According to police, both cases were executed with the help of the Mesa Police Departments SWAT and Organized Crime section. "That is enough to kill half the population in the state of Arizona. Arecord total of1.7 million fentanyl pills, with a street value of$9 million, was taken off the streets of Arizona as part of a crackdown on drug traffickers by state and federal law enforcement agencies. The seizure came as fentanyl continues to be a big problem, fueling . Pokmon card theft leads to drug bust in Arizona involving baby. Get all the stories you need-to-know from the most powerful name in news delivered first thing every morning to your inbox. MORE: Arizona drug busts: Some of our most recent, biggest seizures. Market data provided by Factset. DEA special agent Cheri Oz said they have a plan to take out the biggest cartel operatives. The United States Attorneys Office, District of Arizona, Phoenix, is handling the prosecution. Officials say they are targeting Sinaloa Cartel in drug bust in Tempe