Police - News

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Sept. 14, 2007
CONTACT: Officer Matt Barnett
Public Information Officer
(602) 590-5733

Drug Ring Busted - $1 Million in Drugs, Weapons & Cash Seized

GLENDALE, Ariz. – Detectives from the Glendale Police Department served nine search warrants in the west valley yesterday (9/13). They seized over 1500 pounds of marijuana, $150,000 in cash, and numerous weapons and automobiles. Twenty-one suspects were arrested.

After an investigation lasting about one month, Glendale’s Special Investigations Unit (SIU) established that this drug ring would bring marijuana into Arizona from Mexico, and would store it in several “stash” houses in the west valley. The ring was capable of moving several thousand pounds of marijuana at a time. Investigators believe the ring was moving toward the sale of a large amount of marijuana to some buyers from the eastern United States.

At about 3:00 p.m. yesterday, several teams served a total of nine search warrants in the cities of Phoenix, Glendale, Avondale, Tolleson, and Goodyear. Marijuana totaling over 1500 pounds, with a street value of about $750,000 was seized from the various locations. Over 20 weapons, including assault rifles, several automobiles, and $150,000 in cash were also seized. Twenty-one different suspects were arrested, including the would-be buyers.

“What really helps,” said Lt. Rich Bradshaw, “is to get good, accurate information. We can really be effective once we have a starting point.” Anyone with information or concerns about drug activity in their area may call Glendale’s Drug Hotline at 623-930-3353.