Hundreds of pounds of illegal drugs, thousands of dollars, and dozens of firearms are now off the streets after a multi-agency investigation into an international drug trafficking network.
For nearly a year, the Phoenix Police Department (PPD) and federal law enforcement partners joined forces for Operation Night Owl, a complex drug, money laundering and conspiracy investigation. Detectives with PPD's Drug Enforcement Bureau (DEB) and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) broke up drug trafficking activities of foreign and U.S.-based suppliers, couriers, stash house operators and distribution coordinators throughout the investigation. The disruption of these activities resulted in the dismantling of stash houses and distribution hubs in the metro Phoenix areas.
Working with the Maricopa County Attorney's Office, investigators initiated an investigation, targeting the heads of several drug trafficking organizations operating in Arizona and Mexico. This involved key players responsible for importing bulk fentanyl pills and powder, methamphetamine, heroin and cocaine, as well as money laundering activities.
As a result, the PPD DEB's Conspiracy Squad and DEA Financial Investigations Group have seized the following connected to this investigation:
- 17 indictments on drug trafficking organization members
- Over two million fentanyl pills
- 21 kilograms of fentanyl powder
- 133 pounds of methamphetamine
- 12.6 pounds of heroin
- 8.5 kilograms of cocaine
- Approximately 75,000 U.S. dollars
- 15 firearms
- 12 vehicles
In nearly a year, investigators conducted more than 3,000 hours of surveillance and authored more than 200 court orders and search warrants.
Federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement agencies from Arizona, California, Colorado, Utah, and Nevada contributed to this operation's massive success. Operation Night Owl underscores our commitment to working together to create a safer community for all.
