2M fentanyl pills, meth, guns seized in Phoenix police's AZ-Mexico bust
Authorities busted an international drug trafficking network, leading to the seizure of millions of fentanyl pills, more than 100 pounds of illicit drugs and multiple indictments, Phoenix police announced Thursday.
Dubbed Operation Night Owl, the nearly year-long drug, money laundering and conspiracy investigation yielded 17 indictments in its crackdown on Mexico- and Arizona-based suppliers, couriers, stash house operators and distribution coordinators, according to Phoenix police. The investigation upended stash houses and distribution hubs in the Phoenix area, police said.
Working with the Maricopa County Attorney's Office, investigators zeroed in on the heads of multiple drug trafficking organizations within the state and in Mexico who were responsible for importing bulk fentanyl pills, fentanyl powder, methamphetamines, heroin and cocaine, police detailed. There were about 3,000 hours of surveillance undertaken in the investigation, along with more than 200 court orders and search warrants, police added.
In addition to more than 2 million fentanyl pills seized, Phoenix police said its conspiracy squad and the Drug Enforcement Administration nabbed other drugs and trafficking goods.
Also seized in Operation Night Owl:
Approximately $75,000 in U.S. currency, 12 vehicles and 15 firearms.
Federal, state, local and tribal law enforcement agencies from Arizona, California, Colorado, Utah and Nevada contributed to Operation Night Owl, police said.
"Operation Night Owl underscores our commitment to working together to create a safer community for all," read a Phoenix police statement.
