PHOENIX — Arizona’s border security task force has made more than 600 arrests and seized over 900 pounds of drugs in its first six months of operation, state officials announced Friday.
Details of the operation
Launched in February under an executive order from Gov. Katie Hobbs, Operation Desert Guardian has so far resulted in 622 arrests, including 10 fugitives, and the seizure of 971 pounds of drugs. Among the narcotics recovered were more than 72,000 fentanyl pills and over 400 pounds of methamphetamine.
Authorities estimate the seized drugs and weapons are worth about $77 million.
Multi-agency task force
The task force combines the efforts of Arizona’s Department of Emergency and Military Affairs, Department of Public Safety, and Department of Homeland Security. They’ve worked alongside federal and local partners in Cochise, Santa Cruz, Pima, and Yuma counties to disrupt cartel networks, drug smuggling, and human trafficking.
The initiative is funded through Arizona’s Border Security Fund and works in coordination with Task Force SAFE, which includes members of the Arizona National Guard.
Impact so far
Since March, authorities have confiscated 988 weapons in addition to narcotics, according to the Governor’s Office. Officials said the operation aims to send a clear message to organized crime groups operating at the southern border.
