United States Drug Enforcement Administration

PHOENIX, AZ. - In August 2009, officers from the South Mountain Precinct noticed an increase in neighborhood narcotics complaints and the violent crime often associated with that type of activity. As their investigation moved forward, several criminal street gangs were identified and appeared to be working together to further their lucrative illegal drug operation. Due to the complexity of the investigation, a partnership was formed with the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Arizona Attorney General’s Office. Over the past several months, investigators have monitored these suspects identifying gang leaders and the primary subjects who are purchasing, manufacturing and distributing crack cocaine throughout the South Mountain Precinct.

Early this morning, 20 simultaneous search warrants were served across the valley as part of this undercover operation coined “Operation OG Style.” Dozens of arrests have occurred and large property seizures are currently taking place. Operation OG Style is a joint Narcotics and Criminal Street Gang investigation conducted by the Phoenix Police Department’s South Mountain Precinct, the Drug Enforcement Administration, and the Arizona Attorney General’s Office. 

“Drugs, guns and gangs form a potent and deadly triad that must be met with combined law enforcement expertise at the local, state, and federal levels,” said DEA Acting Special Agent in Charge Doug Coleman. “DEA and our law enforcement partners remain fully committed to keeping violent drug traffickers off the streets and putting them where they belong-behind bars.”

Phoenix Acting Chief Joe Yahner remarked, “The effect on the South Mountain community will be a lasting one; this entire criminal organization has been dismantled from top to bottom. I am extremely pleased with the work done by the men and women of the South Mountain Precinct in this complex investigation.”

Arizona Attorney General Tom Horne said, “I am very proud of the work done by the Attorney General’s office, Phoenix Police Department and the Drug Enforcement Administration to complete this highly complex investigation. Cooperation between state, local and federal agencies is crucial to bringing to justice those individuals involved in this type of criminal activity. I pledge a vigorous prosecution of those involved in this matter.”

DEA targets major drug sources of supply and their distribution networks. DEA also investigates criminal street gangs which distribute drugs to include the well-known Bloods, Crips, Mexican Mafia and Hells Angels as well as lesser known, localized gangs

These charges are merely allegations, and suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.