United States Drug Enforcement Administration

PHOENIX - Drug Enforcement (DEA) Special Agent in Charge Doug Coleman announced today the execution of over 15 arrest warrants stemming from a federal grand jury indictment of a predominantly female methamphetamine trafficking organization operating in the Colorado River Indian Reservation.  Two other subjects were in custody at the time of the enforcement operation.

DEA agents, along with law enforcement representatives comprising the La Paz County Narcotics Task Force, conducted the series of enforcement operations on Tuesday, following a long-term investigation into methamphetamine trafficking activities, which led investigators to identify several female tribal members as both sources of supply and retail dealers.  DEA agents and LPCNTF detectives were able to collect substantial evidence to secure federal charges. 

“The DEA is committed to protecting Arizona tribal communities from the dangers of methamphetamine, which undoubtedly scars the person and the community it plagues,” said Doug Coleman, Special Agent in Charge of DEA in Arizona. “Drug traffickers who exploit the tribal community in which they live, to hide from law enforcement, will find no such refuge.  DEA agents, with our state, local, federal and tribal partners will pursue, target and bring those criminals to justice.”

All suspects arrested in Tuesday’s enforcement operation appeared in federal court on Wednesday with prosecution handled by the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Arizona.  Enforcement actions were conducted by the following agencies:  DEA, La Paz County Sheriff’s Office, United States Marshals Service, United States Border Patrol, Bureau of Indian Affairs, Colorado River Indian Tribe Police Department, and Parker Police Department.