INDEPENDENT NEWSMEDIA
Phoenix police along with federal and other law enforcement agencies have dismantled an international drug-trafficking network responsible for the flow fentanyl and other drugs into the United States, authorities announced.
Operation Night Owl, a drug, money laundering and conspiracy investigation, took nearly a year to complete, according to a release provided by the Phoenix Police Department.
Through the course of the investigation, officials said Phoenix drug enforcement detectives and DEA agents broke up drug-trafficking activities of foreign and U.S.-based suppliers, couriers, stash house operators and distribution coordinators, resulting in the dismantling of stash houses and distribution hubs in the Valley.
The effort resulted in 17 indictments and the seizure of:
- More than 2 million fentanyl pills.
- 21 kilograms of fentanyl powder.
- 8.5 kilograms of cocaine.
- 133 pounds of methamphetamine.
- 12.6 pounds of heroin.
- Approximately $75,000 in U.S. currency.
- 12 vehicles.
- 15 firearms.
Investigators, working with the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office, initiated an investigation targeting the heads of several drug-trafficking organizations operating within Arizona and Mexico, according to the release.
“This investigation involved key players responsible for importing bulk fentanyl pills, fentanyl powder, methamphetamine, heroin and cocaine as well as money laundering activities,” the release stated.
Investigators conducted about 3,000 hours of surveillance. In all, more than 200 court orders and search warrants were authorized, officials said.
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