State troopers seize nearly 1,000 pounds of illegal drugs across Arizona

PHOENIX — The Department of Public Safety announced on Thursday its troopers seized millions of dollars worth of illegal drugs across Arizona over the course of a week.

In total, the drugs seized over May 5-10 included 920 pounds of methamphetamine, cocaine and fentanyl, according to a press release.

“Seizures of these quantities are a sobering reminder of the ever-present threat of drugs to our communities,” AZDPS Deputy Director Lt. Col. Deston Coleman said. “The citizens of the state … are safer because of (the troopers’) diligence.”

How many illegal drugs were seized in the weeklong operation?

Troopers found 151 pounds of methamphetamine hidden in a trailer during a traffic stop in southern Arizona, authorities said.

That same day, a minivan was stopped and searched in northern Arizona, revealing a hidden container with 432 pounds of cocaine. Authorities learned it was headed for Canada, where it’s worth an estimated $16.5 million.

Three days later, troopers seized 150 pounds of methamphetamine and 60 pounds of pills suspected to be laced with fentanyl.

Two days after that, the final seizure yielded 23 pounds of fentanyl pills, 28 pounds of cocaine and 76 pounds of methamphetamine.

In total, the seized narcotics carried an estimated worth of nearly $18 million.

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