'Operation Double Down': Guns, drugs, cash seized during international operation
Arrests made in Operation Double Down: Phoenix PD
Phoenix Police announced a number of arrests as part of a large-scale, multi-agency drug operation. FOX 10's Brian Webb has more on Operation Double Down.
PHOENIX - Police say an international operation netted over 20 arrests and the seizure of large quantities of drugs, money, guns and vehicles that were bought into Phoenix from Mexico.
What we know:
According to the Phoenix Police Department, "Operation Double Down" targeted suspects who were allegedly seen transporting carloads of drugs from Mexico into Phoenix between April and November 2024.
"Detectives quickly identified the suspects involved and recognized they were part of a complex, organized group transporting bulk fentanyl pills and powder, methamphetamine, heroin, and cocaine, as well as conducting money laundering activities," police said.
The Arizona Attorney General's Office secured arrest warrants for 25 suspects.
What we don't know:
The suspects have not been identified.
By the numbers:
The following were seized during the investigation:
- 1,700,000 suspected fentanyl pills
- Over 26 kilograms of fentanyl powder
- Over 24 kilograms of cocaine
- 370 pounds of methamphetamine
- 13 pounds of heroin
- Nearly $210,000 in cash
- 28 guns
- 14 vehicles
What they're saying:
"The outcome of this operation is impressive and a testament to the partnerships between local and federal police agencies and prosecutors in this community," Phoenix Police Department Interim Chief Michael Sullivan said. "We are stronger when we work together and our community is safer as a result."
Authorities also said each one of the pills represents a life that is potentially saved by keeping the drugs off the streets, and Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes said this is proof that operations like this won't work if federal funding is cut.
"I wanna be clear that President Trump‘s executive order freezing federal funds absolutely impacted, and would have continued to impact, operations exactly like this one if I had not along with my fellow Democratic Attorneys General, and won a temporary restraining order against President Trump," said AG Mayes.
Guns, drugs, cash seized during Operation Double Down
"Operation Double Down" netted over 20 arrests and the seizure of large quantities of drugs, money, guns and vehicles that were brought into Phoenix from Mexico, authorities said during a news conference on Feb. 20.