Over 20 individuals have been apprehended following a successful joint operation by multiple agencies in Arizona. Dubbed “Operation Double Down,” the operation led to the confiscation of a significant quantity of illicit drugs, as well as a substantial amount of cash and firearms.
“These are the drugs that don’t make it to your community, to your school, to your neighborhood, to your kids. These are their lives,” said Cheri Oz, Special Agent in Charge of the DEA Phoenix Field Division.
A staggering collection of pills, powder, cash, and guns.
The Phoenix Police Department (PPD), the Attorney General’s (AG) Office, and the DEA proudly announced the success of their seven-month operation, Operation Double Down.
Between April and November 2024, the agencies collaborated in a joint effort to target and dismantle an international drug ring and apprehend their network of distributors.
“Arizona is not a great place to be a criminal. We, working together, are coming for you. We are tenacious. We are relentless, and we will not stop,” Oz shared.
Law enforcement agencies have dedicated countless hours to conducting surveillance and obtaining multiple warrants, resulting in the arrest of 25 individuals involved in the drug cartel network. From the suppliers affiliated with the cartel to the local distributors, authorities have made significant progress in disrupting their operations.
“It’s being brought to Phoenix as a hub due to our close proximity to the border. From here, it gets distributed to other parts of the country.”
According to PPD, this operation and the quantity of drugs they have confiscated is not an isolated incident. Similar incidents have occurred throughout the state.
In total, law enforcement seized a staggering amount of illegal substances and items. They discovered counterfeit fentanyl valued at 1.6 million dollars, along with hundreds of pounds of meth, heroin, and cocaine. Additionally, they confiscated $210,000 of laundered cash as well as firearms and vehicles.
Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes has expressed that future federal seizures, in light of President Trump’s executive order freezing federal funds, will be influenced and continue to affect operations similar to this one. The success achieved thus far is overshadowed by the potential impact on funding.
“One Phoenix police officer highlighted the potential negative impact of losing both manpower and financial support for investigations,” expressed concern about the consequences.
Mayes is urging President Donald Trump to provide additional assistance in addressing the drug crisis in the state.
“We need to increase the number of DEA agents in Arizona. It’s surprising that states like New York and Florida have three times or more DEA agents compared to Arizona. This situation is unacceptable,” Mayes expressed with frustration.
The Attorney General’s Office is determined to proceed with the prosecution now that the arrests have been made.