Good Morning,
The Tempe Police Department Special Investigations Division (SIB) is in the process of wrapping up a complex 15-month undercover investigation into drug trafficking in our community. During the course of this joint operation between SIB and DEA Phoenix Strike Force, the following was accomplished.
- 43 search warrants were executed
- Over 200 arrests were made
- $7.8 million in cash seized
- 44 Firearms seized
- 435 pounds of Methamphetamine
- 650 pounds of Marijuana
- 123 pounds of Cocaine
- 4.5 pounds of Heroin
We are hosting a press conference at 11:00 a.m. today at the Apache substation to provide information to our community and the media on the success of this investigation.
Partner Law Enforcement Representatives from the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, Arizona Attorney General’s Office, and the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office will be in attendance, and our Mayor and City Council have been invited as well.
A special thanks to all PD staff that contributed to the success of this outstanding investigation! I would also like to thank DEA Special Agent in Charge, Doug Coleman and all DEA agents for their professional support and partnership. These outstanding efforts have had a significant impact to the drug trafficking organizations which continue to try and make the Phoenix Metropolitan area a primary hub of drug distribution.
Although this investigation was a huge success, there is much more work to be done. All members of Tempe PD remain committed to working in partnership with the community and other law enforcement agencies to curtail drug trafficking in the City of Tempe and throughout the valley.
A special “Thank-You” to an observant Patrol Officer, who was able to make an on-view arrest(s) after witnessing a drug transaction while on patrol. Most all of Operation Crank Call & Hornswoggle was a direct result of follow up investigation from the original drug arrest by this observant officer.
Stay safe,
Tom
