Federal agents and Arizona law enforcement officials worked together to complete a drug bust and seized approximately 4.5 million fentanyl-laced pills and roughly 3,100 lbs of methamphetamine, authorities said.
The bust was announced Thursday by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Tempe Police Department, and the Arizona Attorney General's Office following a three-year investigation, according to a report.
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Along with the pills and meth, authorities announced the seizure of roughly 66 kilograms of fentanyl powder, 35 kilograms of heroin, 138 kilograms of cocaine, 49 guns, and over $22 million, according to the DEA.
The approximate value of the drugs confiscated is estimated to be over $13 million, the report noted, and the fentanyl could offer 30 potentially fatal doses.
"The sample you see today is staggering," Tempe's Interim Police Chief Josie Montenegro said.
Excellent work by all involved!@Tempegov @DEAPHOENIXDiv @AZAGMayes https://t.co/sJr4IydFqM pic.twitter.com/Shypsal5CP
— Tempe Police Department (@TempePolice) February 23, 2023
"There are few families in our state and across our country that haven’t been touched in some way by the scourge of the opioid epidemic and fentanyl crisis," according to Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes.
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At least 150 people have been charged in relation to the bust.
"DEA Arizona is laser-focused on the Sinaloa Drug Cartel. We will not stop. This investigation is a testament to our strong partnerships which enable us to gain the necessary advantage over these evil criminal networks," said DEA Special Agent in Charge Cheri Oz.