PHOENIX, AZ – Governor Katie Hobbs announced substantial progress in the fight against drug trafficking through the state’s Task Force SAFE (Stopping Arizona’s Fentanyl Epidemic) initiative. Operated by members of the Arizona National Guard, Task Force SAFE has been instrumental in assisting U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) in seizing over 6 million fentanyl pills and more than 1,400 pounds of methamphetamine, cocaine, fentanyl powder, and heroin since its launch in July 2024.
The task force, part of the SAFE Initiative, enhances drug detection efforts at Arizona’s border with Mexico. It employs National Guard personnel to assist in secondary inspections, rail screenings, and vehicle searches at border ports of entry.
“In Arizona, we are making our communities safer and our border more secure,” said Governor Hobbs. “While we’ve made significant progress, our mission is not over until every Arizonan is free from the threat of drug-related crime and addiction. I’m grateful to the hardworking men and women behind Task Force SAFE for their work to protect Arizonans and stop the flow of dangerous drugs into our state.”
Funding and Collaboration
The SAFE Initiative is a multimillion-dollar effort aimed at tackling Arizona’s opioid crisis. Key funding allocations include:
- $3 million for Arizona National Guard efforts in fentanyl detection.
- $17 million to assist local law enforcement agencies with drug interdiction in border communities.
- $5 million for veterans’ substance abuse treatment programs.
- $1 million to equip first responders with lifesaving overdose reversal medication.
The initiative builds on the National Guard’s longstanding Counter Drug Program and has increased operational capacity at ports of entry by 20%.
Expanding Border Security
Task Force SAFE complements earlier measures by Governor Hobbs to secure Arizona’s borders. These include Operation SECURE, which deployed National Guard and Arizona State Troopers to border areas, and the creation of the Border Coordination Office within the Arizona Department of Homeland Security. Additionally, over $84 million in funding has been provided to law enforcement in border counties to enhance security efforts.
Support and Partnerships
Leaders across state and federal agencies praised the progress:
- CBP Commissioner Troy A. Miller: “Our partnerships are critical to our success, and that is particularly true in Arizona. Task Force SAFE is a testament to our collaborative efforts to keep Arizona communities safe.”
- Maj. Gen. Kerry Muehlenbeck, Arizona National Guard: “Combining state assets like Task Force SAFE, we are further bolstering this team effort to protect our communities from drug threats.”
- Dr. Kimberly O’Connor, Arizona Department of Homeland Security: “This coordinated effort enables and empowers law enforcement partners to stop fentanyl trafficking and save more lives.”
- Colonel Jeffrey Glover, Arizona Department of Public Safety: “With a focus on communities, partnerships, and proactive measures, AZDPS works tirelessly to take dangerous drugs off the streets throughout the state.”
Local Impact
Nogales Mayor Jorge Maldonado emphasized the initiative’s importance for border communities:
“For a long time, our community has felt the impact of drugs crossing our border. Task Force SAFE is doing lifesaving work to stop dangerous drugs from reaching border communities like Nogales.”
Governor Hobbs reiterated her commitment to tackling the opioid crisis and ensuring the safety and well-being of all Arizonans. Task Force SAFE represents a critical component of the state’s efforts to combat drug trafficking and enhance border security.
