Massive Sting Nets 25 Arrests and 1.7 Million Fentanyl Pills in Arizona

Officials say the latest enforcement effort marks the next level of cooperation among state and federal agencies.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection seize 47,000 rainbow-colored fentanyl pills, 186,000 blue fentanyl pills, and 6.5 pounds of meth hidden in a vehicle at Nogales, Arizona, on Sept. 3, 2022.

A major sting operation in Arizona has resulted in 25 arrests and the seizure of 1.7 million fentanyl pills and other drugs, as well as guns, vehicles, and a large amount of cash.

The seven-month enforcement effort called Operation Double Down targeted the illegal narcotics trade across the region from April to November 2024, involving multiple agencies.

“Operation Double Down is a powerful example of what can be accomplished when law enforcement agencies at every level work together to combat the deadly flow of fentanyl and other illicit drugs into our communities,” said Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes in a statement on Feb. 21.

The joint investigation discovered a transnational criminal organization operating in both the United States and Mexico, trafficking millions of dollars worth of illegal drugs, Mayes said.

The organization would then launder money to evade detection while continuing to distribute illicit drugs, she said.

During the investigation, state prosecutors worked closely with the Phoenix Police Department and Drug Enforcement Bureau investigators to resolve the case.

Mayes’ office successfully secured arrest warrants for 25 individuals identified during Operation Double Down, which led to the seizure of 1.7 million suspected fentanyl pills, more than 57 pounds of fentanyl powder, approximately 53 pounds of cocaine, 370.2 pounds of methamphetamine, 13 pounds of heroin, and nearly $210,000 in U.S. currency.

In addition, law enforcement seized 14 vehicles and 28 firearms during the operation.

Mayes said her office is continuing to process the arrests and indictments, calling the operation a “huge success,” setting a new standard for cooperation among law enforcement.

In the statement, Phoenix Interim Police Chief Michael Sullivan said the outcome of the operation was “impressive and a testament to the partnerships between local and federal police agencies and prosecutors in this community.”

DEA Phoenix Special Agent in Charge Cheri Oz added: “DEA stands alongside our partners as a united front, and we are not stopping. The amount of deadly narcotics and firearms seized in this investigation saved lives. We are law enforcement strong, working together like never before.”

Each year, fentanyl claims the lives of more than 55,000 Americans, which equates to approximately 150 deaths per day, according to U.S. Customs and Border Protection.

From Aug. 1 through Oct. 31, the Arizona Department of Public Safety conducted several drug seizures that resulted in the confiscation of approximately 6,498 pounds of illegal drugs.

Included were 837 pounds of fentanyl pills and powder, 514 pounds of methamphetamine, 33 pounds of heroin, 231 pounds of cocaine, and 4,883 pounds of marijuana.

In 2024, the DEA seized more than 55 million fentanyl pills, which represented more than 367 million lethal doses of fentanyl.

https://www.theepochtimes.com/us/massive-sting-nets-25-arrests-and-1-7-million-fentanyl-pills-in-arizona-5816761