DEA Announces Major Arizona Drug Seizure, Results of Phase II of Operation Fentanyl Free America
The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) announced a major drug seizure following an operation in Arizona, part of the broader Fentanyl Free America operation.
“This extraordinary investigation saved countless lives,” said Apolonio Ruiz Jr., Special Agent in Charge of the DEA Phoenix Field Division.
Among the drugs seized: over 11 pounds of fentanyl in pills and powder form, over 1,750 pounds of methamphetamine, more than 113 pounds of cocaine, as well as heroin, marijuana, and spice. Also seized were nearly two firearms, more than two dozen vehicles, $612,000 in cash, and $300,000 in cryptocurrency.
The operation was a joint effort between the DEA, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), the Maricopa County Sheriff's Office, the Arizona Attorney General's Office, the Phoenix Police Department, and other federal, state, and local partners.
“[This is the] result of agencies that stayed focused on a common goal: taking dangerous drugs off Arizona streets, keeping families safe, and holding the people responsible accountable,” said Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes (D).
Officials credited the breadth of the seizures to close coordination between agencies, each of which contributed distinct resources and expertise.
Operation Fentanyl Free America
The seizures were part of the broader Phase II effort of Operation Fentanyl Free America.
In the nationwide operation, more than 4.7 million fentanyl pills and nearly 2,396 pounds of fentanyl powder were seized between January 12 and February 10, 2026.
That includes 600,000 counterfeit fentanyl pills that were seized in Tucson, Arizona.
Also seized were 134,000 fentanyl pills in Los Angeles and 60,000 in New York. The LA division also reported 104 arrests and $7 million in illicit proceeds.
“It will take a targeted, collaborative response to preserve our future. Drug seizures in the United States strike directly at cartel profits, while efforts to disrupt supply chains and dismantle money laundering networks deliver consequences far beyond our borders,” said DEA Administrator Terrence Cole.
