FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE April 4, 2006
CONTACT: Officer Michael Pena
Public Information Officer
Office: 623-930-3076
Pager: 602-590-5733

Glendale Undercover Detectives Shut Down Valley Wide
Drug Distribution Network

GLENDALE, Ariz. – Glendale Detectives from the Special Investigations Unit have arrested six people in connection with a valley wide drug distribution network that resulted in the recovery of drugs, money, vehicles and weapons.

For the past several weeks, Special Investigation Detectives have been conducting an investigation regarding suspects that were transporting drugs in vehicles with electronic activated hidden compartments to avoid detection from law enforcement.

On Friday, (3/31), afternoon, the Glendale Police Gang Unit conducted a traffic stop in Phoenix on a suspect vehicle with two occupants. K-9 Officer “Buddy” then performed a search of the car and alerted to the odor of drugs inside. A hidden compartment was then revealed, which contained a half pound of cocaine, six ounces of methamphetamine and a handgun.

Detectives from Special Investigations and Gangs then served three search warrants and residences in Phoenix, which resulted in the recovery of 50 pounds of marijuana, a pound of cocaine, a pound of methamphetamine, six handguns, five rifles, five vehicles and over $60,000.

Arrested for narcotic trafficking were Phoenix residents Radames Sanchez Beltran, (6/22/82), Luis Valenzuela, (12/31/79), Aldo Angelpena Felix, (8/2/75), Mario Sanchez Dominguez, (2/19/66), Eleazar Valenzuela Sanchez, (5/5/45), and Gustavo Lopez, (4/18/74).

Below are photos of the suspects arrested.