Phoenix police along with federal law enforcement partners have dismantled an international drug trafficking network responsible for the flow of massive quantities of fentanyl into our country and onto the streets.
The long-term, complex drug, money laundering and conspiracy investigation, dubbed Operation Night Owl, took nearly a year to complete. Through the course of the investigation, Phoenix drug enforcement detectives and DEA agents broke-up drug trafficking activities of both foreign and U.S. based supplier, couriers, stash house operators and distribution coordinators.
The disruption of these activities resulted in the dismantling of stash houses and distribution hubs in the Phoenix Metropolitan areas.
As a result, the PPD Conspiracy Squad and DEA FIG have seized the following connected to this case:
- 17 indictments on drug trafficking organization members
- Over 2,000,000 fentanyl pills
- 21 kilograms of fentanyl powder
- 8.5 kilograms of cocaine
- 133 pounds of methamphetamine
- 12.6 pounds of heroin
- Approx $75,000 in U.S. currency seized
- 12 vehicles seized
- 15 firearms seized
Investigators, working with the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office, initiated an investigation targeting the heads of several drug trafficking organizations operating within both Arizona and Mexico. This investigation involved key players responsible for importing bulk fentanyl pills, fentanyl powder, methamphetamine, heroin, and cocaine, as well as money laundering activities.
Investigators conducted about 3,000 hours of surveillance. In all, more than 200 court orders and search warrants were authored.
