El Mirage, AZ — Authorities in El Mirage have seized more than 2,000 fentanyl pills and arrested three suspects following a large-scale police operation at a residence with a known history of drug activity, officials confirmed this week.
Major Seizure in Neighborhood Operation
According to the El Mirage Police Department (EMPD), the bust took place on October 30 at a home near 126th Avenue and Thunderbird Road. The coordinated effort involved the department’s Neighborhood Enforcement Team, patrol officers, a K-9 unit, and the SWAT team.
“During the operation, three individuals were arrested, and over 2,000 fentanyl pills were seized from the residence along with 20 pieces of drug paraphernalia,” the department said in an official statement to Fox10Phoenix.
Police added that the same residence had previously been targeted in other search warrants related to drug-related criminal activity.
Fentanyl Crisis in Arizona
The seizure comes amid Arizona’s ongoing battle with the fentanyl epidemic, which has devastated communities across the state. Officials say the powerful synthetic opioid — up to 50 times stronger than heroin — continues to be a leading cause of fatal overdoses in Maricopa County and surrounding areas.
Law enforcement agencies throughout the Phoenix metro area have been stepping up neighborhood enforcement efforts to disrupt local trafficking operations and keep dangerous narcotics off the streets.
According to the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), even two milligrams of fentanyl can be lethal, meaning the pills seized in El Mirage represent a potential thousands of deadly doses.
Ongoing Investigation
While three suspects were taken into custody during the October 30 operation, their names have not been released as the investigation remains active.
The El Mirage Police Department confirmed that additional charges could be filed as detectives continue processing evidence from the residence and reviewing past activity linked to the property.
Officials emphasized that the arrests are part of an ongoing crackdown on narcotics trafficking within the community, particularly in neighborhoods where residents have repeatedly reported suspicious activity.
Community Role in Crime Prevention
The El Mirage Police Department is crediting the community’s vigilance for helping make operations like this one possible. Authorities say many of their most successful investigations begin with tips from residents who report unusual or suspicious behavior.
“If you see something, say something,” the department urged in a public statement. Community members can reach the El Mirage Police Department’s tip line at (623) 500-3277 to provide anonymous information about drug-related or suspicious activity.
Police are also encouraging residents to participate in community watch programs and remain alert to changes in their neighborhoods that may indicate illegal drug activity.
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