PHOENIX – Investigators with the Arizona Financial Crimes Task Force executed a residential search warrant in the Phoenix area on Monday, January 27, 2025, following a traffic stop that resulted in the seizure of 50 pounds of methamphetamine.

As a result of the search warrant, investigators seized approximately 1,609 pounds of methamphetamine, 161 pounds of fentanyl pills (approximately 735,000 pills), and 47 pounds of fentanyl powder. The estimated Arizona street value of the drugs is $3,405,300, with its value increasing significantly the further east it is trafficked across the U.S.

The amount of narcotics seized represents an alarming threat to public safety, containing approximately 3,651,214 lethal doses of methamphetamine (200 mg per dose) and 10,811,374 lethal doses of fentanyl powder (2 mg per dose) - in addition to the 735,000 fentanyl pills, any one of which could cause a fatal overdose.

"This seizure represents a significant disruption to the flow of dangerous drugs into our communities," said Colonel Jeffrey Glover, Director of the Arizona Department of Public Safety (AZDPS). "The sheer amount of methamphetamine and fentanyl recovered underscores the ongoing battle we are fighting against drug traffickers who profit from addiction and suffering. Our department remains committed to dismantling these criminal organizations and keeping Arizonans safe."

The Arizona Financial Crimes Task Force is a multi-agency unit comprised of the AZDPS and the Arizona Attorney General’s Office. The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) was also an integral partner in this investigation. These partner agencies are dedicated to investigating large-scale financial crimes, money laundering, and narcotics trafficking operations that fund organized crime.

"This operation is a testament to the power of law enforcement collaboration," said Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes. "Fentanyl and methamphetamine are devastating our communities, and we will not tolerate the trafficking of these deadly substances in Arizona. My office will continue to work tirelessly to prosecute those responsible and ensure they are held accountable to the fullest extent of the law."

"The criminals behind these drugs are ruthless, and they have no regard for the destruction they leave behind," said Special Agent in Charge Cheri Oz of the DEA’s Phoenix Field Division. "This seizure represents lives saved and a direct hit to the criminal networks flooding our neighborhoods with poison. The DEA will continue to work alongside our law enforcement partners to stop the flow of these deadly drugs and bring those responsible to justice."

The investigation remains ongoing. No further details are available at this time.

PHOENIX – The Arizona Department of Public Safety (AZDPS) has announced details of proposed investments included in Governor Katie Hobbs’ Executive Budget for Fiscal Year 2026. These initiatives aim to enhance the well-being of Arizona residents, improve emergency response capabilities, and bolster public safety statewide.

Key highlights of the proposed budget include:

• Pay Increases and Support for Law Enforcement: A proposed 5% salary increase for state troopers, totaling $5.9 million in ongoing funding, is aimed at improving recruitment and retention. Additionally, the budget proposes a significant increase in uniform allowances for public safety personnel and funding to provide two more full-time employees to the Department’s Employee Assistance Program.
• Strengthening 911 Call Operations: $788,000 is proposed to add nine new call-taker positions at Phoenix and Tucson dispatch centers, improving response times and emergency service efficiency.
• Combating Arizona’s Fentanyl Epidemic: The proposed budget allocates $10 million to support drug interdiction efforts in border communities, including $5 million in ongoing funding and $5 million in one-time funding to the AZDPS’ Local Border Support special line item. These funds will provide grants to law enforcement agencies for drug interdiction initiatives in border communities, bringing the total FY 2026 investment to $23.2 million. Additionally, $1 million in one-time American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds is proposed for a statewide fentanyl awareness and education campaign in collaboration with state and federal partners.
• Critical Infrastructure Improvements: Proposed investments include $11.2 million to upgrade aging electrical systems at the AZDPS Phoenix headquarters compound, ensuring safety and efficiency. The plan also allocates $8.7 million to replace outdated patrol and non-patrol vehicles, $1.3 million for upgrades to the state’s public safety communications backbone, $2 million to replace offices in Payson and Sanders, and $693,000 for essential maintenance on AZDPS aircraft. These investments aim to ensure troopers have reliable tools for their missions and that emergency communication systems remain robust statewide for all the agencies that utilize them.
• Support for Crime Victims: $9.3 million in federal ARPA funds in FY 2026, providing grants to local organizations that offer services to help individuals and families recover and heal. A similar amount of Arizona state funds is projected for FY 2027 and beyond.

“Governor Hobbs’ proposed budget highlights her dedication to public safety and the people of Arizona,” said Colonel Jeffrey Glover, Director of the AZDPS. “These initiatives, if approved, will ensure our department has the resources needed to address critical challenges and improve service to the community. On behalf of the AZDPS, I thank Governor Hobbs for her leadership and unwavering support for public safety.”

While the Executive Budget represents a comprehensive plan to strengthen public safety, the proposed investments are subject to legislative approval. The AZDPS remains committed to working with state leaders to prioritize these critical needs.

For more information about the Arizona Department of Public Safety and its initiatives, please visit www.azdps.gov.

On Monday, January 6, 2025, an Arizona Department of Public Safety (AZDPS) Commercial Vehicle Enforcement trooper initiated a traffic stop on the driver of a Volvo tractor-trailer on eastbound Interstate 40 in Holbrook for civil traffic violations.

During the traffic stop and resulting commercial motor vehicle inspection, the trooper observed multiple indicators of criminal activity. A subsequent search of the truck and trailer revealed 553.8 pounds of cocaine concealed within a produce load.

Further investigation revealed the drugs were being smuggled from the cities of Salinas and Los Angeles, California, to Canada.

The driver, 31-year-old Amarjeet Singh Matharu, was arrested and booked into the Navajo County Jail on charges including possession and transportation of narcotic drugs for sale.

The estimated street value of the cocaine seized is between approximately $16.6 million and $22.1 million.

AZDPS remains committed to working with our law enforcement partners at all levels to dismantle drug trafficking operations and disrupt the flow of illegal drugs within our communities.