On the heels of recent articles across the United States that claim heroin use is surging, the Arizona Department of Public Safety says it recently broke up a major heroin ring based in Chandler.
Detectives worked for seven months on the case with members of a northern Arizona anti-drug task force, tracing the source of drugs found in the White Mountains back to the East Valley. In the last week of February, cops served three search warrants and found more than 15 ounces of the narcotic. Seven people were arrested, says a Department of Public Safety news release (scroll down to read it).
We also covered a heroin bust in January in which police say a man admitted he sold the drug to young teens.
Obviously, these people haven't seen Requiem for a Dream. Shit's bad for you.
Full text of DPS news release follows:
- For Immediate Release -
Friday, March 6, 2009
Arizona Department of Public Safety Northern Narcotics Task Force Arrest Seven
Suspects, seize thousands in Cash in a major Heroin Drug Ring
Investigation started in Northern Arizona and reached into the east valley
On Feb. 25-27, the Arizona Department of Public Safety Northern Narcotics/Major Crimes Apprehension Team in Show Low concluded a seven month investigation that included Mesa, Chandler and Gilbert. A significant heroin drug ring, stemming from Chandler, was dismantled after the service of three search warrants. Seven people were arrested and approximately $14,000 and 392 grams of heroin were seized. Cooperation was given by Chandler Police Narcotics Unit and the DPS Northern Narcotics Task Force.
Arrested: Fernando Martinez, 24, Chandler
Mercedes Martinez, 59, Chandler
Angie Saauedra, 50, Chandler
Jose Ozuna, 57, Mesa
Frances Ozuna, 59, Mesa
Salvador Esquer, 28, Gilbert
Joseph Berumen, 49, Mesa
Charges Include: Possession of Narcotic Drug for Sale, Possession of Narcotic Drug, Misconduct with Weapons-Prohibited Possessor, Possession of Marijuana, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.
*Suspect photos available through MCSO*
"This Heroin Ring was based in the east valley and was busy transporting its illegal product to the Show Low area of northeastern Arizona. These arrests made by DPS Officers with the help of the Chandler Police Narcotics Unit effectively dismantled this operation therefore making communities in the valley and in northern Arizona safer," said Roger Vanderpool director of the Arizona Department of Public Safety.
