In a major bust of international drug trafficking, Phoenix Police claim “Operation Night Owl” has come to an end, with more than a dozen indictments and substantial seizures of drugs, cash, and firearms.
According to authorities, the operation – part of an extensive investigation into Arizona- and Mexico-based drug trafficking organizations – dismantled numerous stash houses and distribution sites in the metro Phoenix area.
As per Phoenix Police, it targeted the key people in charge of smuggling and distributing massive quantities of narcotics, including fentanyl pills, methamphetamine, heroin, and cocaine, besides others involved in laundering profits from drug trade. The operation was concluded with 17 members of these drug trafficking organizations being indicted.
Operation Night Owl Hauls Include:
- Over 2 million fentanyl pills
- 21 kilograms of fentanyl powder
- 8.5 kilograms of cocaine
- 133 pounds of methamphetamine
- 12.6 pounds of heroin
- $75,000 in cash
- 12 vehicles
- 15 firearms
The multi-agency operation involved 36 agencies across five states. Police reported surveillance of nearly 3,000 hours and over 200 court orders and search warrants to support the operation.
“The Night Owl operation demonstrates our ability to work together to make our communities safer,” said Sgt. Mayra Reeson.
The raid and the arrests thereafter are “a major step in breaking up the flow of illegal drugs coming into Arizona,” said a Phoenix police spokesman. More details may eventually be released as more of the cases are processed.
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