DETECTIVES SEIZE MORE THAN 93 POUNDS OF FENTANYL PILLS FOLLOWING TUCSON SEARCH WARRANT
February 8, 2023-On Thursday, February 2, 2023, detectives with the Arizona Department of Public Safety (AZDPS) served a search warrant in the area of South 6th Avenue and East Ajo Way in Tucson. The search warrant followed a months-long investigation into drug trafficking.
Tucson Man Sentenced to Nine Years for Conspiracy to Distribute Fentanyl
January 19, 2023-Last week, Francisco Pantoja, 25, of Tucson, Arizona, was sentenced by United States District Judge John C. Hinderaker to nine years in prison, followed by three years of supervised release.
Inside a Homeland Security raid that uncovered possible fentanyl chemicals
January 19, 2023-Before dawn on Thursday, Homeland Security agents huddled to brief on a raid in a quiet residential neighborhood in Tucson, Arizona.
https://www.cbsnews.com/amp/news/fentanyl-chemicals-homeland-security-raid-tucson-arizona/#app
TPD says it may pursue manslaughter charges in cases of fentanyl deaths
January 18, 2023-The Counter Narcotics Alliance (CNA) drug task force says the City of Tucson saw more than 400 fentanyl overdoses in 2022, and about half those were fatal.
Tucson man sentenced to 15 years for distributing fentanyl resulting in death
December 2, 2022-A judge sentenced a local man to 15 years in prison Tuesday, followed by five years of supervised release after a joint investigation between Homeland Security Investigations, commonly called HSI, and the Counter Narcotics Alliance.
Man sentenced to 15 years in prison for selling pills that led to deadly fentanyl overdose
November 30, 2022-A Tucson man was sentenced Tuesday for distributing fentanyl that led to an overdose death.
Police track down rainbow fentanyl supplier following drug bust at Oasis Apartments
October 19, 2022-A recent drug bust at the Oasis Apartments on North Dodge Boulevard has led to the discovery of rainbow fentanyl supplier in town.
Country singer Luke Bell died from fentanyl overdose, medical examiner’s report says.
September 21, 2022-County singer Luke Bell, who was found dead in Tucson in late August died from an accidental fentanyl overdose…
One Pill Can Kill
DEA Reveals Criminal Drug Networks Are Flooding the U.S. with Deadly Fentanyl
https://www.dea.gov/onepill?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery
Fentanyl Awareness
“Fentanyl is the single deadliest drug threat our nation has ever encountered,”
https://www.dea.gov/fentanylawareness?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery
Arizona troopers find 46 pounds of fentanyl during I-10 traffic stop
September 4, 2022-Red Rock AZ-Arizona troopers seized 46 pounds of suspected fentanyl pills during a traffic stop on Interstate 10 in Pinal County, officials announced.
TPD seizes over 100 fentanyl pills near Golf Links and Kolb
August 20, 2022-TUCSON, Ariz. (KGUN) — Officers with the Tucson Police Department (TPD) have seized over 100 Fentanyl pills.
'One pill can kill': Arizona issues alert for counterfeit colored pills
August 16, 2022-TUCSON (KVOA) — A state wide alert was released from the Arizona High Intensity Drug Trafficking area known as HIDTA.
CNA gets White House recognition after seizing 12M fentanyl pills in 2021
June 20, 2022-Fentanyl is a powerful opioid used as a pain killer and it has become an epidemic.
Tucson police raise awareness of dangers of fentanyl amid National Drug Prevention Week
May 12, 2022-The Tucson Police Department is working to get fentanyl and other potentially deadly drugs off the street in honor of National Drug Prevention Week.
Tucson Man Pleads Guilty to Distributing Fentanyl that cause death.
May 10th, 2022-Tucson Man Pleads Guilty to Distributing Fentanyl that Caused Death
https://www.justice.gov/usao-az/pr/tucson-man-pleads-guilty-distributing-fentanyl-caused-death
Tucson Police have saved more than 150 people from overdose deaths by using Narcan.
April6, 2022-Tucson police officers helped save the life of a woman who had overdosed Thursday on fentanyl.
N4T Investigators: Fentanyl leading cause of death for Pima County teenagers
March 3, 2022-Theresa Guerrero never thought she would have to live a day without her son, Jacob.
3K fentanyl pills, meth, cocaine, heroin and guns seized after 6-month investigation
January 18, 2022-Fentanyl pills and several other drugs have been seized following a six-month investigation, according to a tweet shared by Tucson Police Department Tuesday.
Dealers mix horse tranquilizer into street drugs. A common antidote won’t work with Xylazine
January 3, 2022-A drug meant to tranquilize horses has been kicking up the danger for illegal drug users.
https://www.kgun9.com/news/local-news/dealers-mix-horse-tranquilizer-into-street-drugs
Fentanyl fatalities on the rise across Pima County
November 23, 2021-"Fentanyl is definitely the most dangerous drug out there today," John Leavitt, the captain of the counter narcotics allegiance in Tucson said.
https://www.kgun9.com/news/local-news/fentanyl-fatalities-on-the-rise-across-pima-county
People dying over overdoses in Pima County at record pace
August 6, 2021-Pima County is on pace to set a record for deadly overdoses for the third straight year.
https://www.kgun9.com/news/local-news/people-dying-over-overdoses-in-pima-county-at-record-pace
‘I’m not going to let you die’: Deputy overdoses after coming in contact with fentanyl
August 5, 2021- SAN DIEGO — Authorities say the accidental fentanyl exposure hit Deputy David Faiivae quickly.
An epidemic in the shadow of a pandemic: Drug overdose deaths reach an all-time high in US
July 17, 2021-During the pandemic, another devastating health crisis was growing
17 kids have died from fentanyl in Pima County already this year
July 16, 2021-"I just kind of lost myself completely," …
Three other suspects accused of holding 11-year-old at gunpoint still sought
July 2, 2021-The Digging Deeper team first told you about a home invasion where an 11-year-old girl was held at gunpoint in April.
Tucson Police Department unit investigating more overdose-related deaths
May 14, 2021-A Tucson Police unit responsible for investigating crimes associated with drug activity has responded to more than 80 overdose-related deaths since January.
One identified, arrested in home invasion where 11-year-old was held at gunpoint
May 4, 2021-Just two weeks ago the News 4 Tucson Digging Deeper team shared a report about a violent home invasion where a suspect pointed a gun at an 11-year-old girl.
DEA focuses on keeping fentanyl from coming into US
May 3, 2021-Last week at the Port of Nogales, federal officers seized nearly 40,000 fentanyl tablets. The street value of those drugs was $120,000.
Identities of robbery suspects accused of holding 11-year-old at gunpoint wanted
April 23, 2021-Police need your help with identifying some individuals who held an 11-year-old girl at gunpoint during a botched home invasion.
Mom turns grief into action
March 18, 2021-More and more drug dealers who cause the death of a person who overdosed are being charged with their death.
https://kvoa.com/news/digging-deeper/2021/03/18/digging-deeper-mom-turns-grief-into-action/
Former drug dealing thrift shop has new owner
March 9, 2021-A thrift shop, which was once a front for selling illegal drugs, has gone to the dogs, literally.
Alleged Snapchat drug dealer busted
March 5, 2021-It's a popular social media app. So popular in fact, you can purchase illegal drugs.
https://kvoa.com/news/top-stories/2021/03/05/alleged-snapchat-drug-dealer-busted/
Dangerous Side effects of smoking too much marijuana
February 11, 2021-With more states adopting laws legalizing marijuana more teenagers are getting their hands on it.
De Anza Park drug dealer arrested
February 9, 2021-A neighborhood park known for drug dealing and violent crime is now safer.
https://kvoa.com/news/digging-deeper/2021/02/09/digging-deeper-de-anza-park-drug-dealer-arrested/
Family reacts to sentence of man who caused overdose deaths
December 11, 2020-A man who sold drugs to some of his friends is now in prison.
DEA disrupts Darknet
December 4, 2020-The Darknet a place where you can buy anything from drugs to guns to exotic animals.
https://kvoa.com/news/2020/12/04/digging-deeper-dea-disrupts-darknet/
drugs in Tucson, Marijuana legalization
October 31, 2020-Law Matters Podcast Guest: Captain John Leavitt, with the Tucson Police Department Counter Narcotics Alliance Division
Tucson woman sentenced to 12 years for causing 3 fentanyl overdoses, 1 death
October 5, 2020-TUCSON, Ariz. — A Tucson woman has been sentenced to 12 years in prison…
Tucson ties to Operation Crystal Shield
September 22, 2020-When it comes to drug smuggling, Arizona is considered a major hub.
The Grim Numbers
September 2020-Almost everything we deal with has a drug nexus
https://www.mydigitalpublication.com/publication/?m=17663&i=671639&p=82
DIGGING DEEPER: Taking drugs off the streets
August 25, 2020-DIGGING DEEPER: Taking drugs off the streets
https://kvoa.com/news/top-stories/2020/08/25/digging-deeper-taking-drugs-off-the-streets/
Tucson's rise in drug overdose deaths could be linked to pandemic
August 18, 2021-Local health officials continue to express concern over the COVID-19 pandemic’s surging toll on mental health…
DIGGING DEEPER: Drug overdose deaths at an all-time high
August 18, 2020-TUCSON (KVOA) - Drug overdoses are the highest they have ever been. And there are still four months left in the year.
DIGGING DEEPER: Drug overdoses surge in July
July 17, 2020 - TUCSON (KVOA) - There has been a huge spike in drug overdoses in the last month. Normally, there are about 14 cases a month.
https://kvoa.com/news/2020/07/17/digging-deeper-drug-overdoses-surge-in-july/
DIGGING DEEPER: Fentanyl overdoses surpass methamphetamine overdoses
June 11, 2020 - TUCSON - More people are dying from fentanyl overdoses than ever before.
Local Opinion: Sellers of narcotic drugs deal in deatH
February 14, 2020 - Over 300 people in Pima County died last year from drug overdoses, an all-time high…
Tracking drug overdoses to save lives
February 11, 2020 - ima County has put together an Overdose Fatality Review Committee to take a close look at drug overdoses, and to provide answers to prevent deaths.
https://kvoa.com/news/2020/02/11/digging-deeper-tracking-drug-overdoses-to-save-lives/
CNA reopens 2017 drug overdose case
January 22, 2020 - There was an alarming number of opioid deaths in Pima County in 2019. It averaged to about one person dying nearly every day…
https://kvoa.com/news/2020/01/22/digging-deeper-cna-reopens-2017-drug-overdose-case/
Overwhelming Overdoses Part II
January 8, 2020 - The State stepped in and cracked down on prescription opioids that have been a problem for the last decade.
https://kvoa.com/news/2020/01/08/digging-deeper-overwhelming-overdoses-part-ii/
Battling an overwhelming number of drug overdoses in Pima County
January 7, 2020 - Drug overdoses are a huge issue that is being addressed by first-responders and medical…
DIGGING DEEPER: New details in take-down of Tucson drug trafficking organization
December 18, 2019- A multi-million dollar Tucson home was raided and multiple UPS employees were arrested in late November.
Tucson Police Counter Narcotics Alliance keeps track of opioid overdoses, helps those struggling
December 10, 2019 - In 2017, Governor Doug Ducey declared a state of emergency over the opioid crisis
DIGGING DEEPER: Authorities raid fake thrift store
December 4, 2019 - A thrift store in central Tucson is out of business. Police shut it down after a four-month-long investigation. Investigators say it was a front for selling drugs.
https://kvoa.com/news/digging-deeper/2019/12/04/digging-deeper-authorities-raid-fake-thrift-store/
Digging Deeper: Fake THC vape carts bring real danger
November 27, 2019 - Some may think vaping is harmless, however, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have data to prove otherwise.
UPS drivers, supervisors implicated in Tucson drug trafficking investigation
November 26, 2019 - UPS drivers and supervisors were part of a scheme to distribute drugs from Tucson around the U.S., according to investigators close to the case.
https://www.cnn.com/2019/11/27/us/ups-employees-drug-arrests/index.html
https://www.nytimes.com/2019/11/27/business/ups-drugs-tucson-arizona.html
https://www.cnn.com/2019/11/27/us/ups-employees-drug-arrests/index.html
Digging Deeper: Delivering danger to your door
November 26, - Here in Arizona marijuana dispensaries are regulated, and the use of recreational pot is against the law.
https://kvoa.com/news/digging-deeper/2019/11/26/digging-deeper-delivering-danger-to-your-door/
DIGGING DEEPER: Undercover unit works to stop smuggling shuttles
November 14, 2019- It’s an undercover unit you rarely hear about but, it’s certainly making a dent in the war on drugs.
New Pima County review panel will study local drug overdose deaths
October 27, 2019- Fentanyl has broken Alex Atkin’s heart more than once.
Tucson police change how they handle fentanyl during drug busts
October 17, 2019- The widespread use of opioids and fentanyl is causing police to create new safety protocols not only for themselves, but for overdose victims and K-9 officers.
‘No secret’ of large heroin supply on Tucson’s streets
June 13, 2019-Imagine walking out to your car and finding a man holding a syringe with heroin.
Video shows Tucson police saving life with Naloxone
April 12, 2019- Tucson police have released a body cam video to show why it is important for officers to carry the medication Naloxone, which is used to reverse an opioid overdose. Naloxone is also known by the brand name Narcan.
Man who overdosed on fentanyl and lived to tell about it is now missing
March 4, 2019- A man who narrowly escaped a fentanyl overdose is now missing.
Fentanyl deaths from ‘Mexican oxy’ pills hit Arizona hard
February 13, 2019- Aaron Francisco Chavez swallowed at least one of the sky blue pills at a Halloween party before falling asleep forever.
Overdose death leads to investigation
February 11, 2019- Counter Narcotic Alliance officers arrested two people who were selling drugs out of a private student apartment complex.
Overdose Overload
December 18, 2018- Police arrested the woman who provided pills to 4 overdose victims last month.
Working to stop overdoses
November 8, 2018- In the last couple of weeks. Tucson police have seen six overdoses on the street.
19-year-old who died from overdose at south side home identified
November 2, 2018- The 19-year-old who died from an apparent overdose in connection to Thursday’s heavy police and fire personnel presence on the south side has been identified.
Veterinarians on alert for opioid misuse by pet owners
October 26, 2018-You take your dog or cat to the veterinarian so they can be treated for an illness or injury. Usually, that help could come with some kind of medication.
Deadly discovery in Tucson
October 24, 2018- Fake heroin laced with fentanyl found in Tucson.
Cocaine more available and cheaper than ever
September 27, 2018- Hardcore narcotics are still pouring into Arizona from south of the border.
Meth menace grows in shadow of opioid crisis
August 14, 2018- Over the past several years, we have heard a lot about Arizona's opioid crisis, and what is being done to try to solve it. However, experts say methamphetamine and the destruction it causes shows no sign of letting up.
Counterfeit drugs containing fentanyl turning up in Tucson
July 31, 2018-The numbers are staggering: In the past year alone, suspected opioid overdoses killed more than 1,500 people in our state.
Police investigate drugs found on derailed train
July 13, 2018- A train derailment near Marana showed drug smugglers don't always move their cargo in person.
CNA shows off fake pill press
July 13, 2018- The opioid crisis is a deadly one, and the Tucson Police Department is showing how deadly it really can be.
Counterfeit pills growing street drug danger
July 12, 2018- There’s a new concern on the rise surrounding opioids.
Crime Trackers: Mother speaks out after son dies of fentanyl overdose
May 29, 2018- The last time Patricia Bohard saw her son was December 23, 2017.
Split panel discussion about legalizing recreational marijuana in Arizona
May 21, 2018- In 2016 Prop 205 to legalize recreational marijuana in Arizona was defeated. Now the talk is back to legalize recreational marijuana.
Crime Trackers: Drug dealers responsible for overdose deaths will be prosecuted
May 17, 2018- A Tucson man pleaded guilty to negligent homicide that resulted in the death of 29-year-old Tyler LeDonne.
Counterfeit pills with carfentanil seized in the Phoenix area
May 17, 2019- Law enforcement officials say investigators in the Phoenix area have seized counterfeit pills that include carfentanil.
Carfentanil death has law enforcement warning of danger
April 16, 2018- The first confirmed death in Arizona from the opioid Carfentanil has been reported and law enforcement officials are putting out the warning.
Opioid Obstacles
April 5, 2018- As doctors are prescribing fewer legitimate opioids, some people are concerned about unintended consequences.
Killer Painkillers
March 19, 2018- Fatal fentanyl overdoses continue to rise as prescription narcotics are no longer available on the black market.
ARIZONA'S OPIOID EMERGENCY
December 16, 2017- Arizona has seen a rising opioid problem in the last year, and the impact on Southern Arizona is evident.
Police crime lab tests identify seized pharmaceutical drugs as being fake
October 11, 2017- After testing multiple seizures of pills represented as the pharmaceutical product oxycodone hydrochloride, the Tucson Police Department Crime Lab found that these pills were illicit (fake) pills that were produced in a clandestine laboratory and not to FDA regulated standards.
Man Indicted for Selling Fentanyl That Caused Overdose
August 24, 2017- The largest seizure of fentanyl occurred in Phoenix one week ago. Now another first, Pima County is prosecuting a man for allegedly selling the dangerous drug to a man who overdosed and died.
Deadly White china drug hitting the streets of tucson
June 29, 2017- A new deadly drug is hitting the streets of Tucson and local law enforcement is highly concerned about the impact it could have on our community.
TPD Officer Saves Local Man's Life during drug overdose
June 26, 2017- Tucson News Now spoke to the Tucson Police officer who helped save a local man’s life as he was overdosing on drugs.
Fentanyl a deadly danger for tucson crime lab
June 8, 2017- Tucked away from the drug busts and seizures on the streets of southern Arizona, the Tucson Police Department Crime Lab has increased its safety measures to protect against a deadly substance, Fentanyl.
More Potent Drugs Endanger Police Dogs
June 8, 2017- Modern street drugs are so dangerous -- contact with just a trace could kill police---and the canine partners who help them search for drugs.
More people dying from unintentionally taking powerful drug
May 14, 2017- More people are dying of fentanyl overdoses because they are unintentionally taking the drug.
Pima County Medical Examiner Greg Hess just calculated the 2016 overdose numbers for his office. In 2016 there were 16 fatal fentanyl overdoses in Pima County. There were 14 in 2015 and 5 in 2014.
TPD breaks up violent home invasion crew
February 20, 2017- It's one of the most dangerous and violent home invasion groups Tucson police has investigated in recent memory. Tucson police said this group is tied into homicides, drugs and money laundering.
Tucson smoke shop shutdown after spice raid
January 26, 2017- One man has been arrested and a Tucson smoke shop has been shuttered after authorities raided the business Wednesday night.
Narcan and fake pills fuel anti-opioid efforts in southern Arizona
January 11, 2017- Approximately 5,000 counterfeit pills were pulled off the streets of Tucson in 2016, according to the Counter Narcotics Alliance.
3 Accused of illegal 'spice' sales at Tucson Smoke Shop
November 29, 2016- Tucson Police arrested three men Monday night who are suspected of selling the illegal drug "spice" out of a local smoke shop, authorities said.
Tucson Police officers supplied with Narcan, an antidote to opioid overdose
November 21, 2016- Tucson Police Department officers are supplied with Naxolone, or Narcan, which is an antidote to opioid overdose.
Home invasion crew arrested at Tucson hotel
July 7, 2016- An alleged home invasion crew has been arrested in Tucson by Tucson Police Department officers and Counter Narcotics Alliance agents.
TPD's new approach to deadly drug use
June 30, 2016- Heroin overdoses left 93 people dead in Pima County last year, according to the Pima County Medical Examiner's Office.
Heather Ruiz, a recovering addict in Tucson, is thankful not to be one of those deaths because she's experienced to much loss already.
Illegal pot business busted in Tucson
September 15, 2012- Tucson Police raided several business locations for illegal marijuana growing activity.
$1.2 Million pot-growing operation found at northwest side home
June 20, 2012- Two men were arrested Monday on charges of growing marijuana valued at more than $1.2 million in a Northwest Side residence, the Pima County Sheriff's Department said.
15 arrested in heroin trafficking investigation
February 22, 2012- Fifteen people were arrested and more than 9 pounds of heroin were seized following a seven-month, multi-agency investigation into heroin trafficking in Tucson, TPD announced Wednesday.
Tucson police raid strip club, 5 arrested on drug counts
March 19, 2010- Five people were arrested on drug charges Thursday night at a midtown strip club where two fatal shootings occurred last year.