[Sahuarita, AZ - Jan. 24, 2023] - On Tuesday, January 24, 2023, Sahuarita police officers were working Operation Stone Garden, a Federal and State grant funded anti-drug and anti-human trafficking program. Officers responded to the report of suspicious activity near the 19000 block of Old Nogales Highway. Union Pacific Railroad (UPRR) personnel reported seeing a Hispanic male wearing camouflage in the area as well as some duffel bags on the ground near two stopped trains. SPD officers responded and conducted an area search for the suspect, utilizing a SPD drone and a UPRR Police K-9, but the suspect was not located.
SPD officers located four duffle bags found to contain approximately 100 lbs. of fentanyl, 80 lbs. of methamphetamine, and 7.6 lbs. of heroin. The drugs were processed for evidence and turned over to a federal agency for a more detailed analysis and processing.
The SPD, along with many other law enforcement agencies, has put out public service announcements explaining the dangers of fentanyl and other drugs. Fentanyl is now the leading cause of death among US adults between the ages of 18-45 (CDC). Three milligrams of fentanyl can be fatal. One hundred pounds of Fentanyl contains over 15 million 3mg doses. The potential street value of the seized Fentanyl alone is more than 6.8 million dollars. The drugs that were taken in by the SPD are highly addictive and clearly can be fatal.
The SPD is dedicated to the safety of our community and reminds the community that safety is everyone’s responsibility. Anyone with information associated with this case or observes any suspicious activity may contact the SPD by calling 9-1-1 at any time or (520) 344-7000 during business hours Monday through Friday or by contacting our TIP Line at (520) 445-7847.