PHOENIX, AZ — Five individuals have been arrested in connection with a social media-based drug and weapons trafficking ring, authorities announced.
The suspects—Luis Acevedo Machorro, Marcos Acevedo Machorro, Jennifer Rojas Madrigal, Andres Acevedo Dominguez, and Jesus Garcia Barrales—were identified in a Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO) press release.
How Did Police Uncover the Drug and Weapons Ring?
Investigators discovered that the suspects were using social media platforms to sell military-style weapons and drugs. Their posts advertised:
- Machine guns and semi-automatic weapons
- AK-47 and AR-style rifles
- 2,000 fentanyl pills
- Small amounts of cocaine, methamphetamines, and MDMA (ecstasy/molly)
The Maricopa County Drug Suppression Taskforce (MCDST) led the investigation, working under the High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas (HIDTA) program, a federal initiative designed to combat drug trafficking in high-risk regions.
Agencies Involved in the Operation
The MCDST is composed of multiple law enforcement agencies, including:
- Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO)
- Buckeye Police Department
- Tempe Police Department
- Mesa Police Department
- Surprise Police Department
- Casa Grande Police Department
- Arizona Attorney General’s Office
- Arizona Department of Corrections
- Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA)
Authorities say MCDST handles mid- to large-scale drug trafficking investigations throughout Arizona, targeting criminal networks involved in the distribution of illegal substances and weapons.
What’s Next?
The investigation remains ongoing, and officials say the suspects may face additional charges as more evidence is uncovered.
