Multi-agency investigation leads to record-breaking fentanyl bust in metro Phoenix

PHOENIX — An multi-agency investigation into a drug trafficking cartel resulted in a record fentanyl seizure in metro Phoenix, authorities said Thursday.

An investigation over the past two months into the Sinaloa cartel that has been operating in the Valley led to the seizure of nearly 1.7 million fentanyl pills at a number of different residences and storage lockers, Scottsdale Police Chief Jeff Walther said in a press conference.

“There are enough pills here that would move throughout Arizona and throughout this part of the country and the rest of the country,” Walther said. “This is not a recreational drug, this is death.”

Walther said 10 kilograms of powdered fentanyl and 1 pound of meth were also seized, with the total estimated value of drugs being $9 million.

The Scottsdale DEA task force seized 1.7 million fentanyl pills, worth up to $9 million. This is a record fentanyl seizure for the valley. Tune in to @KTAR923 throughout the day to hear more. pic.twitter.com/QIEL2rDF54

— Taylor Tasler-Oatley (@OatleyTasler) December 16, 2021

Cheri Oz, special agent in charge of the Drug Enforcement Agency Phoenix Field Division, said that four out of the 10 pills seized contained a potentially lethal dose.

The investigation was part of a public safety surge for the agency that has in the past two months alone has resulted in the seizure of 3 million fentanyl pills, 45 kilograms of fentanyl powder, more than 35 firearms and the arrest of over 40 drug traffickers.

Oz said the DEA since January has seized more than 9.5 million fentanyl pills in Arizona, far exceeding last year’s totals.

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