The Flagstaff Police Department announced Wednesday, May 14, that it had arrested 16 people as the culmination of a six-month, multi-agency drug trafficking investigation dubbed 鈥淥peration Street Sweeper.鈥�
There are active arrest warrants for an additional four individuals, the department noted.
The operation was carried out by the METRO Task Force, a unit established in 1987 to target drug trafficking and gang activity. Participating agencies in this operation included the Coconino County Sheriff's Office, FBI, Homeland Security Investigations, U.S. Marshals Service, Arizona Department of Public Safety, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms, Coconino County Probation Office, and the Page Police Department.
鈥淭his operation underscores the continued commitment of local, state and federal law enforcement partners to combat the distribution of illegal narcotics and to ensure the safety and well-being of our communities,鈥� a press release stated. 鈥淭he Flagstaff Police Department and its partners remain steadfast in their efforts to hold accountable those who contribute to the drug crisis affecting our region.鈥�
Information on the exact charges against each suspect was not immediately available. At least five were accused of transporting drugs for sale, a Class 2 felony under Arizona state law. The department鈥檚 press release did not identify the specific substances or quantities involved.
At least one suspect has already been arraigned in Coconino County Superior Court on the current charges, while others appear to have preexisting (and unresolved) Superior Court cases in progress. A preliminary review of Arizona court records showed that nearly all the suspects identified by police have an extensive history of involvement with the criminal justice system, from misdemeanor and traffic offenses to felonies.
With investigations ongoing, the department noted that additional information could be disclosed later.