United States Drug Enforcement Administration

PHOENIX, Ariz. - A multi-agency enforcement effort led by the U.S Drug Enforcement Administration, Phoenix Police Department, Arizona Attorney General's Office, and Arizona HIDTA, dubbed Operation Double Down, has wrapped up and proven successful in combating the drug trafficking epidemic of fentanyl and other illegal substances which have resulted in thousands of deaths in our community. 

During these efforts, investigators from all levels uncovered a transnational criminal organization that operated in the United States and Mexico, with the goal of selling and distributing millions of dollars in illegal drugs. As part of the illegal enterprise, the organization laundered money to avoid detection and continued to distribute illicit drugs.    

“DEA stands alongside our partners as a united front, and we are not stopping. The amount of deadly narcotics and firearms seized in this investigation saved lives.  We are law enforcement strong, working together like never before," said DEA Phoenix Special Agent in Charge Cheri Oz.

Operation Double Down was a seven-month, multi-agency investigation designed to gather intelligence to identify and interdict individuals transporting illegal drugs throughout the region. The cases were later handed off to state prosecutors who worked closely with investigators to hold those individuals identified accountable for their involvement. After the operation, the Arizona Attorney General’s Office was able to secure arrests warrants for 25 individuals identified in this operation. Investigators also seized the following during Operation Double Down: 

• 1,700,000 suspected fentanyl pills (approximate)
• Over 26 kilograms of fentanyl powder
• Just over 24 kilograms of cocaine
• 370.2 pounds of methamphetamine
• 13 pounds of heroin
• Nearly $210,000 in U.S. currency
• 14 vehicles
• 28 firearms 

The operation began in April 2024 and continued through November 2024; however, the processing of indictments and arrests remains active. The operation was a huge success and was the direct result of the coordinated planning and execution by all of those involved. This operation has set a new standard in what can be achieved when law enforcement agencies, and the prosecutors who handle these cases, combine resources and partner to accomplish the goal of serving the community. 

“Operation Double Down is a powerful example of what can be accomplished when law enforcement agencies at every level work together to combat the deadly flow of fentanyl and other illicit drugs into our communities,” said Attorney General Kris Mayes. “I want to thank the dedicated agents and prosecutors of the Arizona Attorney General’s Office for their hard work on this operation. I also want to thank our federal and local law enforcement partners for their collaboration. My office will continue to aggressively pursue and prosecute drug traffickers who threaten the safety of Arizonans.”

“The outcome of this operation is impressive and a testament to the partnerships between local and federal police agencies and prosecutors in this community. We are stronger when we work together and our community is safer as a result,” said Phoenix Police Department Interim Chief Michael Sullivan. 

Arizona HIDTA Director Dawn Mertz said, “The goal of our narcotics task forces is to identify, disrupt, and dismantle drug trafficking organizations using an intelligence-driven investigation with close communication with prosecutors.  This task force, led by the Phoenix Police Department, in partnership with the Drug Enforcement Administration, completed this mission with the support of the Arizona High-Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA). The results of this operation highlight the success these partnerships bring.”