Phoenix police dismantle international drug-trafficking network

( NewsNation ) — An international drug-trafficking organization that has been flooding American streets with illegal guns, fentanyl and other dangerous drugs has been taken down due to Operation Night Owl.

The Phoenix Police Department and Drug Enforcement Administration agents spent nearly a year tracing each part of this complex drug trafficking network from Arizona to Mexico , identifying key drug trafficking leaders in Mexico responsible for smuggling fentanyl, weapons, cash and other narcotics across the border .

Investigators discovered that the organization had been orchestrating shipments from just south of the border, funneling fentanyl, methamphetamine and cash into the U.S. It led officials to more than two million fentanyl pills, about 46 pounds of fentanyl powder and many other drugs that have now taken off the streets.

Phoenix officials said 17 were arrested in connection to the smuggling organization. Police said the arrests were a major win for Arizona and a big blow to drug traffickers pushing fentanyl and other dangerous drugs nationwide.

Partnerships with state, local and tribal law enforcement agencies across multiple states were essential in dismantling this operation.

Investigators dedicated roughly 3,000 hours of surveillance and issued more than 200 court orders and search warrants to bring down the ringleaders.

The Maricopa County Attorney's Office is helping to ensure those behind it all are held accountable and face justice.

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Authorities have seized more than 21,000 pounds of fentanyl at the southwestern border in the 2024 fiscal year.

Notably, approximately 90% of these seizures happened at official ports of entry, underscoring the critical role border security plays in intercepting this deadly drug.

NewsNation's Devan Markham contributed to this report.