( NewsNation ) — An international drug-trafficking organization that has been flooding American streets with illegal guns, fentanyl and other dangerous drugs has been taken down due to Operation Night Owl.
The Phoenix Police Department and Drug Enforcement Administration agents spent nearly a year tracing each part of this complex drug trafficking network from Arizona to Mexico , identifying key drug trafficking leaders in Mexico responsible for smuggling fentanyl, weapons, cash and other narcotics across the border .
Investigators discovered that the organization had been orchestrating shipments from just south of the border, funneling fentanyl, methamphetamine and cash into the U.S. It led officials to more than two million fentanyl pills, about 46 pounds of fentanyl powder and many other drugs that have now taken off the streets.
11,000 rounds of ammo seized at El Paso border crossing
Phoenix officials said 17 were arrested in connection to the smuggling organization. Police said the arrests were a major win for Arizona and a big blow to drug traffickers pushing fentanyl and other dangerous drugs nationwide.