(The Center Square) – Collaboration between state and local law enforcement in a southern border county is helping to disrupt the flow of illicit drugs into Arizona, according to the state Department of Public Safety.
Officials Wednesday praised the results as early news of success for Operation Desert Guardian, a joint task force that was created in February by an executive order signed by Arizona Gov. Katie Hobbs. The task force consists of local, state and federal agencies.
The Department of Public Safety said its Operation Desert Guardian collaboration with the Cochise County Sheriff’s Office resulted in the seizure of 4.5 grams of methamphetamine and the recovery of two stolen vehicles. Law enforcement made 114 traffic stops that led to arrests for three felonies and nine misdemeanors.
The southeastern Arizona county is on the border with Mexico.
“It is no secret that the transnational criminal cartels are exploiting our country by producing and sending these deadly drugs into our country that kill thousands of Americans every year,” Cochise County Sheriff Mark Dannels said in a news release. “This complementary effort by law enforcement and our state to combat these criminals is long overdue.”
Collaboration between local and state law enforcement is leading to success in disrupting the flow of drugs and keeping communities safe, said Col. Jeffrey Glover, director of the Arizona Department of Public Safety.
The department said the partnership is effective in fighting drug trafficking and other crimes.
