DEA And Tempe Police Announce Results Of Operation Nayarit Stampede
Over 3 tons of Marijuana, 30 pounds of Methamphetamine, $2.4 Million in cash and a Cessna 421C Aircraft
PHOENIX, AZ. - DEA Special Agent in Charge Doug Coleman and Tempe Police Department Chief of Police Tom Ryff along with Arizona Attorney General Tom Horne announced today the culmination of a 6-month long investigation regarding the dismantling of an extensive drug trafficking cell associated with the Sinaloa Cartel headed by Leonel Galvez Leal, Norberto Meza Montoya, and Jose Alonzo Rodriguez Rosas.
Tempe Police Detectives initiated the investigation after obtaining information regarding possible stash houses at 1200 block of W. Jeanine Dr. and 1200 block of S. McClintock Dr. in Tempe, AZ. Tempe Detectives following up on this information were able to develop evidence of a Drug Trafficking (DTO) that delivered illegal drugs to Tempe, as well as other customers residing in New York, Alabama, California and throughout other parts of the country.
Based on the information obtained, Detectives from the Tempe Police Special Investigations (SIB), Special Agents from the DEA Phoenix Divisional Office and Special Agents from the DEA Nogales Resident Office, and the Attorney General’s Office initiated a joint undercover investigation into the DTO. Tempe Police Detectives received information that the Nogales DEA was investigating common elements of the DTO, and the joint investigation was initiated.
The investigation resulted in the following seizures:
- 20 Arrests
- 15 Search Warrants
- 14 Firearms
- 2.4 Million dollars in cash
- 3 tons of Marijuana
- 30 Pounds of Methamphetamine
- A Cessna Aircraft
- 10 vehicles
“Operation Nayarit Stampede marks an end to an extensive poly drug trafficking organization that stretched across the Mexico border and into Arizona and beyond,” said DEA Special Agent in Charge Doug Coleman. “DEA and our partners have taken large quantities of drugs, millions of dollars in drug trafficker assets, and powerful weapons off our streets. We will continue to do everything in our power to bring to justice those who try to poison our communities."
“This operation demonstrated a collaborative effort by state and federal law enforcement agencies,” Chief of Police Tom Ryff stated. “As Chief of Police I am committed to working in partnership with the community, state and federal law enforcement agencies to curtail drug trafficking in the City of Tempe and throughout the valley.”
Assistance and support for the investigation was provided by the Arizona Department of Public Safety, Maricopa County Sheriff's Office, Phoenix Police Department, ASU Police Department, HIDTA, Maricopa County Drug Suppression Task Force, Attorney General’s Office, Tucson Police Department, DEA Nogales, DEA Alabama, DEA Phoenix, Pima County Sheriff, Mesa Police Department, and Surprise Police Department.
