Sheriff Paul Babeu announces take down of major drug trafficking organization in Pinal County at press conference hosted by Attorney General's office
October 26, 2009
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Los Tusa marijuana bust
Florence, Ariz. - On October 14, 2009, the Pinal
County Narcotics Task Force (PCNTF), DEA Special Agents and the AZ Attorney General’s
Office executed seven search warrants and arrested six major players leading to
the take down of a Drug Trade Organization operating between Mexico and Pinal County.
Operation Los Tusa began in December of 2008 with the seizure of $228,569 in U.S.
Currency, which was discovered during a routine traffic stop by a Pinal County Sheriff's
Deputy in the Maricopa/Stanfield area. Following the cash seizure, under cover investigators
with the Pinal County Narcotics Task Force opened several investigations and seized
339 lbs of marijuana in January of 2009. As a result of the seizure in January,
the suspects in the December seizure were implicated as being involved in a large
drug trafficking organization.
Between the months of January and August 2009 members of the Pinal County Narcotics
Task Force conducted an investigation on several individuals who were transporting
large quantities of marijuana from Mexico, through the Tohono O'Odham Indian Reservation
and into Pinal County. Information and intelligence was gathered and ultimately
resulted in multiple arrests, the seizure of several large loads of marijuana, and
multiple vehicle seizures. Throughout the 8 month investigation PCNTF detectives
identified additional ranking members of the organization; several stash houses,
routes of operation and personal residences.
Los Tusa marijuana bust
In July of 2009, PCNTF contacted the Drug Enforcement Administration, Phoenix, Arizona
Division and requested their assistance with continuing efforts on the dismantling
of this drug trafficking organization. The Attorney General's Office was later contacted
when it was learned that the investigation would cross county and possibly state
lines. The joint efforts of Pinal County Narcotics Task Force, DEA and Attorney
General’s Office resulted in additional seizures of U.S. Currency and large amounts
of marijuana. The joint investigation assisted with the identification of a number
of higher ranking DTO members, DTO suppliers, and areas of operation throughout
Pinal County. In addition, investigators learned of a conspiracy to impersonate
law enforcement in order to rob, and possibly murder, other competing drug traffickers.
Investigators gathered intelligence which led to the interception of the would-be
assailants and ultimately preventing the robbery and possible murder of their targets.
In all 21 key members of the DTO were identified.
On October 14, 2009 the 10 month investigation culminated with the execution of
seven search warrants and 6 arrests in Pinal County. SWAT Teams from Pinal County,
DPS, Mesa and Tempe Police Departments assisted with the early morning execution
of the search warrants which led to the arrests of Roberto Hernandez (39), Johnny
Calvin (43), Fernando Orona-Magallanez (27), David Chavez (21), Judy Monarraz-Pena
(28) and John Rodriguez (38). Additional arrest warrants have been issued and other
DTO members currently considered fugitives.
The 10 month long, Los Tusa, investigation resulted in:
• $418,640 in cash seizures
• 3,500 lbs of Marijuana Seizures
• 21 vehicle seizures including a "fake" police vehicle
• 10 search warrants of residential and commercial properties
• 13 arrest prior to outside agency involvement
• 6 arrests during take-down operation and 21 indictments
• 9 weapons seizures, including assault rifles
• Numerous residential properties, vehicles and bank accounts are pending civil
seizure/ current asset value unknown until search warrants of accounts are executed,
yet expected to exceed $2-3 million.
With the combined effort of all agencies involved in this investigation, we were
able to make a big mark on the marijuana trafficking trade in Pinal County.
Related article
Operation ‘Los Tusa’ takes down drug trafficking organization
See video
Ariz. AG announces breakup of big drug ring
Johnny Calvin
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David Chavez
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Magallenez Fernando
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Roberto Hernandez
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John Rodriquez
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Judy Monarraz
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