Beginning in early 2011 the Chandler Police Department’s Narcotics Unit began investigating a Chandler family believed to be involved in the sale of illegal drugs. The Department’s Gang Unit and the Arizona Department of Public Safety (DPS) State Gang Task Force soon became involved in the investigation as well.
Investigators from Chandler and DPS discovered this family was part of a criminal organization, which was involved in the purchase, sale, and distribution of illegal drugs into the state prison system. This group consisted of street and prison gang members, along with criminals from the illegal drug distribution trade.
The enormity and nature of the investigation required the assistance of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security Investigations Gang Investigations Group (HSI). Investigators further collaborated with the Arizona DPS Highway Patrol, the Arizona Department of Corrections (DOC) Security Threat Group Unit, and the Arizona State Attorney General’s Office (AG).
On May 17, 2012 arrest warrants for the remaining outstanding suspects in this case were served throughout metropolitan Phoenix. During the course of this investigation over 40 suspects were arrested on multiple drug and gang related charges. Multiple indictments were handed down by the Arizona State Attorney General’s Office.
Over 32 pounds of heroin and five pounds of cocaine were seized during the investigation. The street value of these illegal drugs is estimated at $1.75 million. The methods used by the organization to perpetrate and finance their criminal activities spilled into the community. As an example, this group supplied a large amount of heroin to local users.
The tireless effort by all of those involved in this case has severely disrupted this organization’s ability to buy, sell, smuggle drugs and weapons, and facilitate other related illegal activities. This case exemplifies the positive outcome resulting from collaborative efforts among law enforcement agencies.