Arizona Department of Public Safety Archives

Tucson Man Heads Behind Bars After Attempting to Smuggle Fentanyl into Arizona

March 16, 2023March 15, 2023 Neil Jones

The Arizona District of the Department of Justice announced Tuesday that Tucson resident Jose Antonio Cota, 33, has been sentenced to jail time for attempting to smuggle fentanyl into the state.

“Cota pleaded guilty to one count of Possession with Intent to Distribute Fentanyl in April 2022,” according to the release from the DOJ. “In August 2020, Cota was a passenger in a commercial shuttle van when it stopped for a routine immigration inspection at a Border Patrol checkpoint near Amado, Arizona.”

DEA Arizona Announces Massive Narcotics Seizure after Cartel Targeting Operation

February 27, 2023February 26, 2023 Neil Jones

The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) of Arizona announced Thursday a massive amount of seized narcotics and incarcerations following a three-year-long targeted investigation of the Sinaloa Drug Cartel (SDC).

“DEA Arizona is laser focused on the Sinaloa Drug Cartel. We will not stop,” said DEA Special Agent in Charge Cheri Oz. “This investigation is a testament to our strong partnerships which enable us to gain the necessary advantage over these evil criminal networks.”

Arizona Department of Public Safety Director Announces Retirement After Not Being Retained by Hobbs Administration

January 5, 2023January 5, 2023 Neil Jones

Arizona Department of Public Safety (AZDPS) Director Colonel Heston Silbert announced Tuesday that he would retire from his position effective Friday.

“I am announcing my retirement from the Department of Public Safety effective Friday, January 6, 2023. It has been an honor of a lifetime to have served the men and women of the Department of Public Safety, and the citizens of this great state. As Director I observed firsthand the selflessness, dedication, and bravery of our Arizona State Troopers and professional staff,” Silbert said. “I would like to thank Governor Ducey for his support and faith in me.”

Arizona Police Seize 52 Pounds of Fentanyl from Smuggler

September 24, 2022September 23, 2022 Peter D'Abrosca

Arizona Department of Public Safety (AZDPS) troopers on September 14 seized more than 50pounds of fentanyl during a traffic stop in Pima County, according to a release from this week.

“During the traffic stop, the trooper observed multiple indicators of criminal activity,” the release said. “A subsequent search of the vehicle led to the discovery of 52 pounds of suspected fentanyl pills concealed within a compartment built into the vehicle’s rocker panels. The suspected fentanyl was being smuggled from Nogales, Mexico, to Tucson.”

Arizona Troopers Making Traffic Stop Seize Enough Fentanyl to Kill Seven Million People

September 7, 2022September 6, 2022 Peter D'Abrosca

An Arizona state trooper made a massive drug bust when he pulled over a motorist in late August.

“During the traffic stop, the trooper observed multiple indicators of criminal activity,” said a Friday press release from the Arizona Department of Public Safety (AZDPS). “A subsequent search of the vehicle led to the discovery of approximately 46 pounds of suspected fentanyl pills concealed in natural compartments within the vehicle.”

Arizona Law Enforcement Seizes More than 50 Pounds of Fentanyl Pills in Phoenix

April 28, 2022April 28, 2022 Cooper Moran

Law enforcement officials in Arizona seized more than 50 pounds of fentanyl pills from a single person in Phoenix.

The officers found an initial supply of 17 pounds of the lethal drug during a traffic stop in a 21-year-old driver’s vehicle. Furthermore, an additional search warrant of the driver’s residence yielded even more results.

Law Enforcement Seizes More Than 17 Pounds of Fentanyl Pills During Traffic Stop Near Tucson

April 11, 2022April 10, 2022 Cooper Moran

Law enforcement officers with the Arizona Department of Public Safety recovered more than 17 pounds of fentanyl pills during a traffic stop on Interstate 10 outside of Marana.

According to the officials, the 22-year-old Tucson resident attempted to conceal the pills but was charged with possession, transportation, and sale of a dangerous drug.

Arizona Gov. Ducey Sends Four Tons of Surplus Defensive Gear and Combat Equipment to Ukraine

April 5, 2022April 5, 2022 The Center Square

Arizona is sending thousands of pounds of equipment and supplies to support the Ukrainian military amid Russia’s invasion of the country.

Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey visited the Arizona Department of Emergency and Military Affairs for the official send-off.

Yuma Rep. Tim Dunn: Arizona’s Spike in Illegal Border-Crossers is Thanks to Biden’s ‘Remain in Mexico’ Policy Applying Only to Texas

December 13, 2021December 12, 2021 Rachel Alexander

Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey sent the Arizona National Guard and law enforcement officers to the Arizona border with Mexico near Yuma to address a surge in border crossings, which Arizona Rep. Tim Dunn (R-Yuma) has called for and believes will help combat the drug cartels, but not the number of migrants crossing due to the Biden administration’s policies.

Dunn told The Arizona Sun Times that although only the federal government is allowed by law to deal with the migrants, Arizona troops and law enforcement officers can perform other tasks for the Border Patrol, freeing them up to handle the influx of migrants. He said the migrants “do want to be checked in to the Border Patrol. The last leg of their trip is to get a free ride to another part of the country — the Border Patrol is performing an Uber function.”

Arizona Law Enforcement Officers Seize Deadly Amounts of Fentanyl, Heroin

November 16, 2021November 15, 2021 Cooper Moran

3,000 fentanyl pills extracted from a car by Arizona Department of Public Safety

In just two traffic stops, Arizona law enforcement officials seized dozens of pounds of heroin and thousands of fentanyl pills.

On Interstate 10, troopers with the Arizona Department of Public Safety conducted a traffic stop on a truck, finding 35 pounds of packaged heroin concealed within the pickup.