The DEA seized narcotics estimated to be worth more than $13 million. This includes 4.5 million fentanyl pills, 3,100 pounds of methamphetamine, as well as substantial quantities of heroin, cocaine, and fentanyl powder. And over $2 million in cash and 49 firearms were also seized.

Arizona authorities, in collaboration with the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Tempe Police Department, and Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes, made the significant bust targeting the Sinaloa drug cartel. 

In a news release, the seizure is described as the culmination of a three-year-long investigation that has resulted in the charging of 150 individuals so far.

Some of the recovered narcotics were displayed at law enforcement’s joint news conference.

Interim Tempe Police Chief Josie Montenegro revealed that the recovered substances would have poisoned community members, including youth and vulnerable populations. And the dangers and trickle-down crimes associated with the illegal drug trade would also continue to plague the community as long as the drug cartel is in business.

DEA seized millions

Phoenix DEA Special Agent in Charge Cheri Oz emphasized that the investigators are laser-focused on the Sinaloa cartel. 

She praised the efforts of DEA agents and other officers over the last three years, stating that their hard work and tenacity are responsible for removing these deadly drugs before they poisoned families, friends, and neighborhoods. Numerous people have been taken into custody in the bust, but authorities do not plan to release their names as it is a continuing investigation.

The bust is of particular significance as the country is grappling with a decades-long opioid epidemic in which fentanyl has become the most commonly used drug involved in overdoses.

 Most recent cases of fentanyl-related harm, overdose, and death in the United States are linked to illegally made fentanyl, according to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. 

Deaths involving synthetic opioids increased by 22% in 2021, and in 2022, there were about 181,806 nonfatal opioid overdoses recorded in the United States.

“The fentanyl seized represents more than 30 million potentially lethal doses,” the DEA said.