PHOENIX — The Phoenix Police Department partnered with federal law enforcement to help dismantle an international drug organization.
According to authorities, law enforcement officers took down the international drug trafficking organization as part of "Operation Night Owl." The network is reportedly responsible for the flow of massive quantities of fentanyl into the United States.
VERSIÓN EN ESPAÑOL: La policía de Phoenix desmantela una organización criminal internacional de tráfico de drogas
It took nearly a year for authorities to complete the complex investigation. Officials said they investigated several drug, money laundering and conspiracy reports.
During the investigation, Phoenix drug enforcement detectives and DEA agents stopped drug trafficking activities of several suppliers, couriers, stash house operators and distribution coordinators.
Here's a list of what was seized by authorities during the investigation:
- 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
Officials added that investigators conducted nearly 3,000 hours of surveillance and more than 200 court orders and search warrants were authored.
The investigation targeted heads of several drug trafficking organizations operating within Arizona and Mexico. Suspects responsible for importing bulk fentanyl pills, fentanyl powder, methamphetamine, heroin, and cocaine, as well as money laundering activities were part of the investigation.
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