Katie Hobbs Reports Drug Seizures and Arrests By Operation Desert Guardian

A news release from Governor Kati Hobbs illustrates that Operation Desert Guardian has led to the seizure of drugs worth $77 million and 622 arrests since March. The operation combines local, county, state, and federal law enforcement agencies.

The governor signed the executive order back in February, which directs three state agencies to work together on this effort: the Arizona Department of Emergency and Military Affairs, the Arizona Department of Public Safety, and the Arizona Department of Homeland Security.

Operation Desert Guardian has since focused on Arizona's four border counties: Yuma, Pima, Santa Cruz, and Cochise.

Governors Recognition

"Operation Desert Guardian is what's possible when we put politics aside and work hand-in-hand with sheriffs and federal law enforcement to take on the cartels and secure our border," Governor Katie Hobbs said. "I'm proud to report how this statewide, intelligence-driven operation is turning our vision into action."

The task force has taken nearly 1,000 pounds of drugs off the street and found 10 wanted fugitives. 

"Six months into Operation Desert Guardian, Arizona’s first-of-its-kind statewide task force has seized drugs with a street value of over $77M and made 622 arrests,” Hobbs said. “Proof that intelligence-led, cross-agency collaboration is disrupting cartels, dismantling networks, and keeping our communities safe.”

Case Handling

Cochise County Attorney Lori Zucco said the operation helped her office handle cases better.

"During the height of 2023, when our office aggressively prosecuted failure to yield and human smuggling cases, we prosecuted 406 cases.” Lori Zucco stated. “This was a huge influx of volume into our office.” 

The operation works with Task Force SAFE, which puts Arizona National Guard members at border entry points. Together, both operations have also seized 988 illegal weapons.

Officials say the joint approach helps law enforcement agencies share information and work together against criminal groups that operate in multiple areas. The task force continues its work across the state.