The State of Arizona 2007 Byrne Justice Assistance Grant Annual Report Presented to: The U.S. Department of Justice, Office of Justice Programs, Bureau of Justice Assistance By Arizona Criminal Justice Commission September 2007 Table of Contents Executive Summary .............................................................................................. 1 About the Arizona Criminal Justice Commission ...................................................... 5 Introduction ......................................................................................................... 6 Evaluation Plan..................................................................................................... 7 FY 2007 Program Progress .................................................................................... 8 Multi-Jurisdictional Drug Task Force and Tandem Prosecution Programs .................. 12 Drug Detention Program ....................................................................................... 16 Drug Forensic Analysis Programs ........................................................................... 17 Drug Court Adjudication Programs ......................................................................... 19 Gerald Hardt Memorial Criminal Records Improvement Programs............................. 21 Byrne Justice Assistance Grants Under 10K ............................................................ 24 Drug Availability Cocaine ....................................................................................................... 25 Marijuana .................................................................................................... 27 Heroin ......................................................................................................... 30 Other Drugs ................................................................................................. 32 Methamphetamine........................................................................................ 33 Clandestine Laboratories in Arizona........................................................................ 35 State Methamphetamine Initiatives ........................................................................ 36 Substance Use Among Arizona Youth ..................................................................... 39 FY 2007 Byrne/JAG Making a Difference in Arizona ................................................. 41 Ripped from the Headlines ............................................................................ 45 This publication was supported by Award Nos. 2005-DJ-BX-0455 and 2006-DJ-BX-0075 awarded by the Bureau of Justice Assistance, Office of Justice Programs. The opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this publication are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Department of Justice. This document is available in alternative formats by contacting the Commission office at (602) 364-1146 and online at www.azcjc.gov. Byrne Justice Assistance Grant Program FY 2007 Annual Report Executive Summary The Arizona Criminal Justice Commission (ACJC) is pleased to present Arizona’s Annual Report on activities carried out under the Byrne Justice Assistance Grant program for the period July 1, 2006 and ending June 30, 2007. In FY 2007 (July 1, 2006 to June 30, 2007), the Byrne Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) program funds supported 54 programs within every Arizona County: ● Multi-jurisdictional drug enforcement task forces that integrate federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies and prosecutors for the purpose of enhancing interagency coordination and intelligence and facilitate multi-jurisdictional investigations and prosecutions. ● Improving the operational effectiveness of the court process by expanding judicial resources, including public defenders, and implementing court delay reduction programs. ● Programs designed to provide additional correctional resources, including treatment within correctional institutions, intensive supervision, drug offender probation activities, and long-range corrections and sentencing strategies. ● Developing programs to allow crime laboratories in the state to respond to the need for timely prosecutions by the enhancement of state and local forensic laboratories. ● Criminal justice information systems that help build infrastructure that allows for statewide integration of accurate and timely criminal history records, including automating fingerprint identification systems to assist law enforcement, prosecution, courts, and corrections organizations. Since the program’s inception on April 1, 1988, Arizona’s drug abuse and violent crime control programs have been consistently balanced across these activities. Arizona utilizes a multi-agency, jurisdictional, and strategic approach to fight the illicit drug problem. Arizona’s continued support of 16 multi-jurisdictional drug task forces and tandem prosecution projects significantly enhance the ability of federal, state and local criminal justice authorities to effectively target narcotics trafficking organizations with their related violence. Additionally, local and state agencies collaborate to successfully arrest, prosecute, and convict offenders by pooling resources and coordinating efforts. In FY 2007, $11,960,946 in federal formula grant funds, matching dollars, and state enhancement funds were expended on these projects. Arizona has identified criminal justice records integration as a priority and has established an overall commitment to improve the process by voluntarily setting aside five percent of the federal funds to this continued effort. These funds have been Arizona Criminal Justice Commission 1110 W. Washington, Suite 230 Phoenix, Arizona 85007 ● (602) 364-1146 Page 1 Byrne Justice Assistance Grant Program FY 2007 Annual Report leveraged with National Criminal History Improvement Program (NCHIP) funds to assist agencies in completing criminal justice record projects. To assess the quality of Arizona’s criminal records contained in the Arizona Computerized Criminal History (ACCH) also known as the central state repository the Statistical Analysis Center (SAC) of the ACJC utilized the Records Quality Index (RQI), developed by Structured Decisions Corporation (SDC). The index is calculated by accounting for timeliness, completeness, and level of accessibility of the criminal history records. The higher the RQI, the higher the quality. Arizona’s RQI was lower than the National RQI (NRQI) in 1997, and by 2003 the state RQI was much higher than the NRQI. The complete report Criminal History Records in Arizona 1997 to 2005 Trend Analysis is available at: http://www.azcjc.gov/pubs/home/RQI_FactSheet_0707.pdf In FY 2007, $187,654 in federal formula and matching dollars were expended to enhance two projects. One project supported the continued enhancements of the Arizona Disposition Reporting System (ADRS). The ADRS is a web-based interface between Arizona law enforcement agencies and the Department of Public Safety (DPS) and the ACCH. The second projects developed the Arrest Capture Data Collection (ACDC) system. This system is an interface with Maricopa County’s Jail Pre-Booking System, which reduces the time law enforcement officers must spend at the jail to book a suspect by enabling the officer to enter data into the system prior to arrival at the jail. In addition wireless system capabilities have been tested and implemented. The Arizona Criminal Justice Commission uses the National Information Exchange Model (NIEM)/ Global Justice XML Data Model (GJXDM) as a data sharing standard and is using Global Justice XML when improving, updating or replacing an existing information system in the state. Arizona’s laboratory enhancement projects are extremely vital components of the multistrategy, system-wide drug abuse and violent crime control strategy in the state. In FY 2007, $568,370 in federal formula grant funds, matching dollars, and state enhancement funds were expended on these projects to continue supporting criminalists at the Department of Public Safety, Phoenix Police Department, and Tucson Police Department to process drug-related forensic tests and examinations for law enforcement agencies throughout the state. In FY 2007, $2,238,605 in grant funds were expended by the Administrative Office of the Courts to continue funding court related drug adjudication projects. This funding provides the court system with the ability to enhance projects throughout the state, including the superior courts in seven of Arizona’s 15 counties and the adult probation departments in Apache, Cochise, Graham, Greenlee, La Paz, Maricopa, Pinal, Santa Cruz, and Yavapai Counties, and the public defender in Maricopa County. This funding expands the effectiveness of the court adjudication process to levels required to expedite processing of additional drug and related violent crime case loads generated by enhanced multi-jurisdictional task force and tandem prosecution activities. Arizona Criminal Justice Commission 1110 W. Washington, Suite 230 Phoenix, Arizona 85007 ● (602) 364-1146 Page 2 Byrne Justice Assistance Grant Program FY 2007 Annual Report Moving forward the ACJC will continue to use performance-based decision making by placing precious funding where the need is the greatest. During FY 2007 grant funds were directed at high-performing sites. Considering that federal grant dollars have been reduced drastically for the past two years, ACJC anticipates funding projects that demonstrate sustainability, collaboration, meet goals and objectives and build infrastructure for information sharing in Arizona. During FY 2007 ACJC staff conducted 14 on-site monitoring visits and 29 financial compliance visits for projects funded throughout Arizona’s counties. The purpose of these visits was to review grantee’s progress toward their goals and objectives. Additionally, the grantees were informed of ACJC’s movement toward performancebased decision making. During the on-site monitoring visits, staff strongly encouraged grantees to develop sustainability plans, collaborate and network with federal, state and local law enforcement agencies, and partner with ONDCP Drug-Free Communities, Weed and Seed, and Community Methamphetamine Coalitions in their regions. By the Numbers In FY 2007: Arizona supported 54 programs and expended $11,960,946 in Byrne/Justice Assistance Grant funds, local matching funds, and state enhancement funds. Direct personnel costs made up 90.91 percent of the expenditures, funding 199 positions statewide. Arizona’s 15 multi-jurisdictional drug task forces arrested 5,220 drug offense violators, of which 47 percent involved marijuana and 24 percent methamphetamine. Arizona’s multi-jurisdictional drug task forces seized 861,692 grams of cocaine, 15,300 grams of heroin, 190,776 grams of methamphetamine, 276,906 pounds of marijuana and 83,656 marijuana plants. Arizona’s tandem prosecution program convicted 24,605 drug, gang and violent crime violators, of which 29 percent involved marijuana, 30 percent drug paraphernalia, and 19 percent methamphetamine. The combined efforts of the multi-jurisdictional drug task forces and tandem prosecution resulted in $40,297,456 in forfeited assets. Arizona’s forensic laboratories received 15,759 drug evidence samples for analysis, with 42,774 tests conducted on samples submitted by criminalists. Progress is being made toward complete disposition reporting with the Record Quality Index (RQI) showing 68.5 percent of all criminal history records as complete with final disposition rendered posted for the three year period ending in 2003. Arizona Criminal Justice Commission 1110 W. Washington, Suite 230 Phoenix, Arizona 85007 ● (602) 364-1146 Page 3 Byrne Justice Assistance Grant Program FY 2007 Annual Report ACJC staff presented project officials with copies of their county’s data from the Arizona Youth Survey (AYS). The AYS replicates a model for assessing both the prevalence of substance abuse behavior in communities as well as looking at the underlying conditions associated with drug use and delinquent behavior. In FY 2006 the AYS was administered in schools representing all 15 counties in Arizona. The 2006 AYS consists of data from 362 schools and 60,401 students in the 8th, 10th and 12th grades. The four substances that have the highest percentages of lifetime and previous 30-day use among those students surveyed are alcohol, marijuana, sedatives, and prescription drugs. The AYS also asked students if they participated in several types of anti-social and delinquent behavior in the past year. As a whole, the anti-social or delinquent behaviors students participated in most often were binge drinking, and being drunk or high at school. The rates of binge drinking have decreased since 2002. Unfortunately the rates of carrying a handgun and being suspended from school have increased over the same time period. According the AYS Methamphetamine Fact Sheet, August 2007 prepared by the ACJC Statistical Analysis Center (SAC), indicates methamphetamine is the seventh most prevalent drug used by junior and high school students during FY 2006. Unfortunately, students are still reporting use of methamphetamines; however, the overall percentage of students having tried meth in their lifetime has decrease by 2 percent to 4.6 percent from FY 2002 to FY 2006. Along with the reporting of lifetime use of meth, students have also provided a glimpse of the violent and anti-social behaviors they were involved in during the 12 months prior to the survey. http://azcjc.gov/pubs/home/AYS_meth_factsheet07.pdf • • • • • 25.9 47.4 22.1 42.1 14.6 percent percent percent percent percent have carried a handgun have sold drugs have stolen a vehicle have attacked someone currently belong to a gang. Arizona Criminal Justice Commission 1110 W. Washington, Suite 230 Phoenix, Arizona 85007 ● (602) 364-1146 Page 4 Byrne Justice Assistance Grant Program FY 2007 Annual Report About the Arizona Criminal Justice Commission The Arizona Criminal Justice Commission (ACJC) is a statutorily authorized entity mandated to carry out various coordinating, monitoring and reporting functions regarding the administration and management of criminal justice programs in Arizona. In accordance with statutory guidelines, the commission is comprised of 19 members who represent various elements of the criminal justice system in Arizona. Fourteen of the 19 commissioners are appointed by the governor and are municipal, county or elected officials. The remaining five are state criminal justice agency heads. Appointed commissioners serve for two years and terminate when the first regular session of the legislature is convened; they may be re-appointed. The ACJC was created in 1982 to serve as a resource and service organization for Arizona's 480 criminal justice agencies on a myriad of issues ranging from drugs, gangs, victim compensation and assistance to criminal record improvement initiatives. The ACJC works on behalf of the criminal justice agencies in Arizona to facilitate information and data exchange among state-wide agencies by establishing and maintaining criminal justice information archives, monitoring new, and continuing legislation relating to criminal justice issues and gathering information and researching existing criminal justice programs. ACJC Mission: To sustain and enhance the coordination, cohesiveness, productivity, and effectiveness of the criminal justice system in Arizona. Members of the Commission ● Douglas L. Bartosh, Chair: Chief, Cottonwood Police Department ● Ralph Ogden, Vice-Chair: Yuma County Sheriff ● Kelly Anderson: Mayor of Maricopa ● Joseph Arpaio: Maricopa County Sheriff ● Duane Belcher: Chairperson, Board of Executive Clemency ● David K. Byers: Director, Administrative Office of the Courts ● Clarence Dupnik: Pima County Sheriff ● Tony Estrada: Santa Cruz County Sheriff ● Terry Goddard: Attorney General ● Daniel Hughes: Chief, Surprise Police Department ● Barbara LaWall: Pima County Attorney ● Richard Miranda: Chief, Tucson Police Department ● David Sanders: Pima County Chief Probation Officer ● Dora Schriro: Director, Department of Corrections ● Linda Scott: Former Judge ● George Silva: Santa Cruz County Attorney ● Carl Taylor: Coconino County Supervisor ● Andrew P. Thomas: Maricopa County Attorney ● Roger Vanderpool: Director, Department of Public Safety Arizona Criminal Justice Commission 1110 W. Washington, Suite 230 Phoenix, Arizona 85007 ● (602) 364-1146 Page 5 Byrne Justice Assistance Grant Program FY 2007 Annual Report Introduction Arizona’s southern border is contiguous with the Republic of Mexico. The favorable year-round mild weather provides an environment highly attractive to constant drug trafficking. Major drug trafficking organizations based in Mexico dominate the movement of cocaine, marijuana, heroin and methamphetamine into and through Arizona from the Mexican states of Sonora and Sinaloa. Arizona’s multi-jurisdictional drug task forces have successfully seized many clandestine meth laboratories in the state. However, the “super labs” on the Mexican side of the border continue to be a problem. It is incumbent upon the state to maintain a vigorous active multi-jurisdictional drug task forces to: ● ● Maintain pressure on drug import organizations and interdict the steady stream of drugs coming from the Mexico, and To vigorously address the problem of local drug law violators. While Arizona has its own problems with drug consumption, a large number of drug shipments are bound for cities and towns all across the United States. A substantial part of Arizona’s Byrne Justice Assistance Grant funds continues to augment and support federal efforts to interdict these drug shipments, and to arrest and successfully prosecute those responsible for them. Arizona utilizes a multi-strategy approach to drug control with a broad spectrum of activities, including drug prevention, education, apprehension, prosecution, adjudication, treatment, forensic analysis, and detention of drug offenders. Arizona works to attack the problem of illicit drug trafficking at all levels throughout the state on a system-wide basis. The focus is on identifying arresting, and successfully prosecuting and adjudicating drug law violators, and seizing the illicit drugs and assets derived from their unlawful activities. Arizona Criminal Justice Commission 1110 W. Washington, Suite 230 Phoenix, Arizona 85007 ● (602) 364-1146 Arizona Fast Facts Is the sixth largest state, incorporating 113,998 square miles. Shares a 389-mile border with Mexico. Ranks 16th in terms of the nation’s population: most of the state is considered rural, with two major population centers Maricopa County (3,768,123), and Pima County (946,362). Experienced a 20.2 percent growth in population from 2000 to 2006 with the population growing to an estimated 6,166,318. Recent census figures list Arizona as the fastest growing state. Page 6 Byrne Justice Assistance Grant Program FY 2007 Annual Report Evaluation Plan Illicit drug production, transportation, marketing, distribution and consumption are world-wide economic activities. Consumption creates inherent community problems of altered behavior, including child abuse and neglect and increase in violent and property crimes that cost Arizonans billions of dollars. In developing programs and implementing projects that campaign against illicit drug abuse and related violence, it is imperative that ongoing evaluations are conducted to ensure that projects are properly implemented and have a high potential for success. The projects funded must be of sufficient value to justify the expense and must clearly impact the drug problem as a whole. In collaboration with the Arizona Statistical Analysis Center (SAC), performance measures have been developed to measure the success of projects. Statistical indicators are used as benchmarks to measure Arizona’s progress in its efforts to deal with drug abuse. While such benchmarks measure the progress of individual programs it is not always sufficient. Additional factors such as qualitative successes are also used to gauge overall achievement. The ACJC will continue to emphasize performance based decision making and placing limited funding where the need is the greatest. During FY 2007, a working group comprised of multi-jurisdictional drug task force commanders, prosecutors, and staff convened to determine factors to be used in the determination of a successful program. Included in this discussion was how the risk and protective factor model could be used to make sure funding is going to the area of greatest need. Data collected through the 2006 AYS that the working group considered were gang involvement, early initiation of problem behavior, intention to use substances, drug usage, and drug-related hospital discharge data. Considering that federal grant dollars have been reduced drastically over the last two years, ACJC anticipates funding projects that demonstrate sustainability, collaboration, meet goals, and objectives, demonstrate need based on the risk and protective factor model, and build infrastructure for information sharing in Arizona. In March 2007, ACJC approved the identified performance-based measures for collection starting with FY 2008. The tables on the following pages show progress made toward the goals and objectives of Arizona’s multi-strategy drug control approach. Arizona Criminal Justice Commission 1110 W. Washington, Suite 230 Phoenix, Arizona 85007 ● (602) 364-1146 Page 7 Byrne Justice Assistance Grant Program FY 2007 Annual Report FY 2007 Program Progress Goals Objectives Byrne Justice Assistance Program Progress Multi-Jurisdictional Drug Task Forces and Tandem Prosecution Projects: To reduce the availability and abuse of controlled substances and related gang and violent crime activities through interdiction and prosecution of drug law violators. Provide statewide street, mid- to upper-level narcotics investigative coverage. Multi-jurisdictional drug task forces (16). 5,220 drug law violator arrests. To dismantle drug trafficking organizations and criminal street gangs through aggressive, efficient enforcement and investigative operations. Increase the number of drug-dedicated law enforcement officers. Funded 62 positions. Increase multi-jurisdictional coordination, cooperation and information sharing. Multi-jurisdictional drug task forces share resources and information locally and with state and federal agencies to maximize statewide coverage. Increase the effectiveness of local law enforcement through the implementation of community and problem-oriented policing with a focus on drug related homicides, youth, and gang violence. Multi-jurisdictional drug task force personnel participate in school and community drug and gang education and prevention efforts. Provide statewide enhancement to help with convictions of drug offenders involved in the manufacture, trafficking, and use of drugs. Tandem prosecution projects (15) 24,605 drug, drug related gang and violent crime convictions. Increase the prosecutors. 37 prosecutors funded. To utilize state forfeiture law to deprive drug law violators of profits of their illicit activities. To reduce demand for controlled substances by holding those who unlawfully possess, sell or use illegal drugs accountable under the law. number of drug-dedicated Reduce the economic incentives inherent in drug trafficking by investigation, seizure, and forfeiture of illicit proceeds. Arizona Criminal Justice Commission 1110 W. Washington, Suite 230 Phoenix, Arizona 85007 ● (602) 364-1146 narcotics agent/investigator Forfeited drug traffickers’ assets valued at $40,297,456. Page 8 Byrne Justice Assistance Grant Program FY 2007 Annual Report Goals Objectives Byrne Justice Assistance Program Progress Drug Court Adjudication Projects: To increase the courts ability to provide timely adjudication and enhance probation services for drug law offenders. To assist in the expeditious disposition of felony drug cases at a rate of 98% within 180 days of filing. Sufficient progress is being made with 81 percent of felony cases received for disposition is disposed of within 180 days. Expedite pre-trial services for drug offenders with charges pending by providing additional support services. Five public defenders funded. To provide additional court divisions, judges, and related essential staff for Superior Courts in Arizona. Four judges/commissioners, 11 pre-sentence writers. Expedite pre-sentence investigations of drug law violators to prevent the delay in sentencing. 7,201 offender pre-sentence reports were processed. Monitor drug offender probation activities via random urinalysis testing to enforce immediate sanctions or consequences for continued use of illegal drugs. 5,556 random urinalysis tests performed on probationers. Arizona Criminal Justice Commission 1110 W. Washington, Suite 230 Phoenix, Arizona 85007 ● (602) 364-1146 Page 9 Byrne Justice Assistance Grant Program FY 2007 Annual Report Goals Objectives Byrne Justice Assistance Program Progress Drug Offender Detention projects: To help county jails enhance their security and processing services to meet the growing need that has been created by intensive drug enforcement efforts. Ensure secure transportation services are provided for drug offenders to court arraignments. Detention programs (1). Encourage alternative sentencing programs for non-violent drug offenders which incorporate accountability and tracking components. Deferred sentencing treatment (8). Increase the quality, completeness and accessibility of Arizona’s criminal justice records system. Criminal Justice Records projects (2). Encourage automation and establishment of uniform procedures for reporting arrests and disposition information to the central repository. Enhancements to the Arizona Computerized Criminal History system (ACCH) (1). Criminal Justice Records projects: Build an infrastructure that will allow for statewide automated integration of accurate criminal history records. Arizona Criminal Justice Commission 1110 W. Washington, Suite 230 Phoenix, Arizona 85007 ● (602) 364-1146 One part-time detention officer funded. programs to drug 10 adult probation officers funded. Arizona increased electronic dispositions from 1.4 percent in 1998 to 13.2 percent in 2005. Arrest Capture Date Collection system (ACDC) (1). Page 10 Byrne Justice Assistance Grant Program FY 2007 Annual Report Goals Objectives Byrne Justice Assistance Program Progress Provide additional criminalists to analyze and examine evidence in the increased numbers of drug and violent offense cases generated by the enhanced statewide enforcement and prosecution strategy. Forensic Laboratories Projects (3). To reduce backlogs and help provide timely, effective prosecution. The state crime laboratory had a 14 percent increase in backlog cases over 35 days old due to an increase in analyses performed on samples submitted in FY 2007. To conduct sophisticated, complex, highly technical investigations and analyses to assist drug violator investigations in a timely manner. 42,774 tests were conducted on samples submitted to the three laboratory projects. To allow law enforcement and prosecutorial agencies access to the laboratory results within a web-based laboratory information management system. 15 county attorney’s offices have online capabilities. Drug Forensic Analysis: To allow crime laboratories in the state to respond to the need for timely prosecution of drug and associated violent crime by assistance with timely analyses and presenting evidence in court. Arizona Criminal Justice Commission 1110 W. Washington, Suite 230 Phoenix, Arizona 85007 ● (602) 364-1146 11 forensic criminalists funded. Page 11 Byrne Justice Assistance Grant Program FY 2007 Annual Report Multi-Jurisdictional Drug Task Forces and Tandem Prosecution Programs In FY 2007 (July 1, 2006 to June 30, 2007) multi-jurisdictional drug task forces expended $1,309,268 in federal Byrne Justice Assistance Grant funds (Byrne/JAG), $872,844 in local cash matching funds and $2,167,106 in state enhancement funds, for a total of $4,349,217. These funds supported 16 multi-jurisdictional drug task forces, one in each of Arizona’s 15 counties. Chart 1 Chart 1 Multi-jurisdictional Drug Task Force Program Size provides an FY 2004 - FY 2007 overview of funding for the multi$6,000,000 $4,964,795 $4,924,829 jurisdictional $4,349,217 $5,000,000 $4,339,903 drug task $4,000,000 forces from FY $3,000,000 2004 to FY $2,000,000 2007. As noted in the $1,000,000 chart, the $0 program size FY 2004 FY 2005 FY 2006 FY 2007 in FY 2006 and FY 2007 were reduced because of the reduction in federal funds available. Multi-jurisdictional Task Force Funding Source FY 2004 - FY 2007 F unding Lev el $4,000,000 $3,000,000 $2,000,000 $1,000,000 $0 FY 2004 FY 2005 Federal Byrne/JAG FY 2006 State Enhancement FY 2007 The line graph shows federal funds were reduced in FY 2006 and FY 2007, the state enhancements funds increased to keep the program function close to prior year funding levels. Cash Match In FY 2007 (July 1, 2006 to June 30, 2007) Arizona’s tandem drug task force prosecution projects expended $1,381,329 in Byrne Justice Assistance Grant funds, $920,887 in local cash matching funds and $2,286,384 in state enhancement funds, for a total of $4,588,600. Arizona Criminal Justice Commission 1110 W. Washington, Suite 230 Phoenix, Arizona 85007 ● (602) 364-1146 Page 12 Byrne Justice Assistance Grant Program FY 2007 Annual Report These funds supported 15 drug law violator prosecution and asset forfeiture projects in 13 county attorney’s offices, one at the Tucson City Prosecutor’s Office and one at the Arizona Attorney General’s Office. Chart 2 Chart 2 provides an overview of the funding for the tandem drug prosecution projects from FY 2004 to FY 2007. Tandem Drug Prosecution Program Size FY 2004 - FY 2007 $6,000,000 $5,000,000 $5,057,487 $5,127,698 $5,207,651 $4,588,600 $4,000,000 $3,000,000 $2,000,000 $1,000,000 $0 FY 2004 FY 2005 FY 2006 FY 2007 The line graph below shows federal funds were reduced in FY 2006 and FY 2007, the state enhancement funds have increased to keep the program functioning close to prior year funding levels. Tandem Drug Prosecution Funding Source FY 2004 - FY 2007 $4,000,000 $3,000,000 $2,000,000 $1,000,000 $0 FY 2004 FY 2005 Federal Byrne/JAG FY 2006 State Enhancement FY 2007 Cash Match The goal of Arizona’s multi-jurisdictional drug task forces and tandem drug prosecution is to reduce both the supply and demand for drugs by apprehending and prosecuting persons who violate laws relating to the production, sale/distribution, transportation and possession of controlled substances, and who engage in drug and/or gang-related violent criminal acts; and to utilize state forfeiture laws to deprive drug traffickers of the profits of their illegal activities. Arizona Criminal Justice Commission 1110 W. Washington, Suite 230 Phoenix, Arizona 85007 ● (602) 364-1146 Page 13 Byrne Justice Assistance Grant Program FY 2007 Annual Report The objectives are to provide state-wide street, mid- to upper-level narcotics investigative coverage that inhibit, immobilize and dismantle drug trafficking groups and criminal street gangs involved in drug activities through aggressive, and efficient multijurisdictional drug task force enforcement and investigations; and to reduce the demand for illicit drugs by holding those who unlawfully possess, sell or use those illicit drugs accountable under innovative drug laws; and effectively use the state forfeiture laws to take drug-traffic generated assets and profits from those that violate laws relating to production, sale/distribution, importation, and transportation of illicit drugs. Drug enforcement efforts in Arizona are carried out by federal, state, county, and local agencies. Federal agencies active in these efforts include the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE); Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI); U.S. Department of Treasury, Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms (ATF); U.S. Forest Service and the National Park Service. The Arizona Department of Public Safety (DPS) has statewide authority for drug investigations and a dedicated narcotics division that are assigned to multi-jurisdictional drug task forces. Multijurisdictional drug task force formation has resulted in 15 county sheriffs’ offices and 44 police departments with at least one full-time officer assigned to drug investigations. The numerous multi-agency investigative task forces operating on a statewide basis have been a major enhancement to individual agency or department efforts. All participants support the task force concept; it has proven to enhance interagency cooperation while achieving a much broader scope of coverage at an affordable cost. In addition, task forces can combine specialty functions from different agencies into a unified effort, resulting in higher impact operations. The tandem drug prosecution concept in Arizona is carried out by the U.S. Attorney, the Arizona Attorney General, the county attorneys and municipal prosecutors in Arizona’s two largest cities, Phoenix and Tucson. The U.S. Attorney prosecutes violators of federal drug laws and pursues asset forfeiture actions related to federal drug violations. The Arizona Attorney General is involved in civil forfeiture actions and money laundering resulting from drug cases involved in drug law violations. The county attorneys prosecute violations of state drug laws and pursue asset forfeiture actions related to drug law violations. City or municipal prosecutors in some municipalities are involved in drug prosecutions at the misdemeanor level as a result of county attorney declination policies or decisions and in asset forfeiture actions. As a result of multi-jurisdictional drug task force operations, many prosecutors are involved in investigative strategy and enforcement decisions early in the investigation. This has generated enhanced cooperation among law enforcement officers and prosecutors. The Arizona Attorney General’s Financial Remedies Unit is active in interjurisdictional asset forfeitures and money laundering actions and supplies assistance to federal prosecutors, county attorneys, municipal prosecutors, and law enforcement agencies throughout Arizona and the United States. Tandem prosecution projects that also conduct civil asset forfeiture activities were responsible for the successful forfeiture of $40,297,456 in FY 2007 in seized non-drug traffickers’ assets. The success of Arizona’s civil asset forfeiture prosecutions is evident Arizona Criminal Justice Commission 1110 W. Washington, Suite 230 Phoenix, Arizona 85007 ● (602) 364-1146 Page 14 Byrne Justice Assistance Grant Program FY 2007 Annual Report by a 140 percent increase in asset forfeitures attributed to cases that came to fruition since FY 2004 as shown in chart 3. Chart 3 Dollars Value of Non-Drug Forfeitures $45,000,000 $40,000,000 $35,000,000 $30,000,000 $25,000,000 $20,000,000 $15,000,000 $10,000,000 $5,000,000 $0 $40,297,456 $19,576,626 $16,780,298 $18,362,187 FY 2004 FY 2005 FY 2006 FY 2007 The Attorney General’s Office Financial Remedies Section has a permanent institutional tie with Arizona’s multi-jurisdictional drug task forces either by having a forfeiture investigator directly assigned to the task force at their location or by having a forfeiture prosecutor located at the Attorney General’s Office assigned to assist with task force cases. The Financial Remedies Unit assists and coordinates responses from the multiagency drug task forces by working with the Department of Financial Institutions, the Department of Public Safety (DPS), and the Arizona Forfeiture Association (AFA). The involvement in major statewide civil forfeiture actions and money laundering resulting from drug cases is a major contributor to the overwhelming success of the asset forfeiture component in Arizona. Arizona Criminal Justice Commission 1110 W. Washington, Suite 230 Phoenix, Arizona 85007 ● (602) 364-1146 Page 15 Byrne Justice Assistance Grant Program FY 2007 Annual Report Drug Detention Program In FY 2007 (July 1, 2006 to June 30, 2007) Arizona’s drug detention projects expended $8,580 in Byrne Justice Assistance Grant funds, $5,720 in local matching funds and $14,200 in state enhancement funds, for a total $28,500. These funds supported one part-time court officer to track drug arrests, transport inmates to and from the detention facility and court, and provide support services to other court officials in Coconino County. Chart 4 Chart 4 provides an overview of the funding for the drug detention projects from FY 2004 to FY 2007. Drug Detention Program Size FY 2004 - FY 2007 $400,000 $350,000 $300,000 $250,000 $200,000 $150,000 $100,000 $50,000 $0 $364,363 $364,363 The goals of Arizona’s detention program is to help $28,500 $38,000 county jails enhance their inmate security and FY 2004 FY 2005 FY 2006 FY 2007 processing services by meeting the needs generated by the existence of multi-jurisdictional drug task forces and their tandem prosecution programs arrests and convictions that these projects produce. The objectives are to enhance resources required by county jails to supervise the additional inmates brought into the system for detention following the convictions that were supported by the statewide enforcement and prosecution strategy. In those areas of greatest need, it is crucial to enhance the staffing of county jails and ensure that drug offenders on probation are randomly tested through urinalysis. Detention services continue to be a vital component of Arizona’s Drug Enforcement Strategy since its implementation. With drug offense convictions resulting in 5,086 persons sentenced to jail time in FY 2007, funding has been made available to county jails to help alleviate the pressure on the jail system. Over the last decade the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office has seen the average daily population increase by 60 percent. Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office found alternative funding sources to help alleviate the issue and did not apply for federal grant funds in FY 2006 and 2007. Arizona Criminal Justice Commission 1110 W. Washington, Suite 230 Phoenix, Arizona 85007 ● (602) 364-1146 Page 16 Byrne Justice Assistance Grant Program FY 2007 Annual Report Drug Forensic Analysis Programs In FY 2007 (July 1, 2006 to June 30, 2007) Arizona’s drug forensic analysis projects expended $171,099 in Byrne Justice Assistance Grant funds, $114,066 in local matching funds and $283,205 in state enhancement funds, for a total of $568,370. The enhanced drug forensic funding at the Department of Public Safety (DPS) operating three regional laboratories supports nine criminalists and latent fingerprint examiners full–time to drug analysis support for Arizona’s multi-jurisdictional drug task force operations. The Tucson Police Department devoted one full-time criminalist devoted to drug analysis. Phoenix Police Department provided one criminalist for processing of drug-related forensic tests and examinations for the Commercial Narcotics Interdiction Unit operating at Sky Harbor International Airport in Phoenix. Chart 5 Drug Forensic Analysis Program Size FY 2004 - FY 2007 $700,000 $597,605 $597,639 $600,000 $570,000 $568,370 $500,000 $400,000 $300,000 $200,000 $100,000 $0 FY 2004 FY 2005 FY 2006 FY 2007 The goal of Arizona’s forensic drug evidence analysis program is to allow existing crime laboratories in the state to respond to the need for timely prosecution of violent crime and drug law violators by assisting investigators with the timely analysis and presenting evidence in court. The objective is to provide additional criminalists to examine evidence and reduce backlogs and help conduct sophisticated, complex, and highly technical investigations in a timely manner because of the increased number of cases generated by the enhanced statewide strategy. Forensic support for drug investigations and prosecution in Arizona is provided by the Arizona Department of Public Safety’s (DPS), three regional laboratories and one laboratory operated by the Tucson Police Department. The majority of the forensic work is done by the three regional state laboratories operated by DPS. Each of these facilities has a user’s committee consisting of representatives of the departments served by that laboratory. Arizona Criminal Justice Commission 1110 W. Washington, Suite 230 Phoenix, Arizona 85007 ● (602) 364-1146 Page 17 Byrne Justice Assistance Grant Program FY 2007 Annual Report These laboratories received 15,759 drug evidence samples for analysis during FY 2007. As shown in chart 6 sample submissions have increased by 77 percent since FY 2004. Laboratory technicians conducted 42,774 tests on samples submitted during FY 2007. Chart 6 Sample Submission Trend FY 2004 - FY 2007 18,000 16,000 14,000 12,000 10,000 8,000 6,000 4,000 2,000 - 15,759 13,420 14,090 FY 2005 FY 2006 12,173 FY 2004 FY 2007 Drug evidence samples show an increase in the other controlled substances where meth was classified, prior to FY 2007. In FY 2007 where meth is its own category, meth would have represented a large portion of the other controlled substance category. Chart 7 indicates marijuana accounts for the majority of identifications which is clearly evident in FY 2007 based on the increase of analyses presented. Cocaine has increased since FY 2006, which is not surprising because of the increase in cocaine seizures in the state. Chart 7 As previously stated, Drug Analysis methamphetamine FY 2004 - FY 2007 analyses were included in the other controlled 20,000 substance category 15,000 prior to FY 2007; combining both 10,000 categories shows more than a three percent 5,000 increase over the previous year, most FY 2004 FY 2005 FY 2006 FY 2007 likely a majority of the 3,254 2,891 2,733 6,185 Cocaine other controlled 17,614 13,981 13,839 18,117 Marijuana substance in FY 2006 12,887 12,821 13,114 7,079 Other Controlled Substance 11,128 Methampheatmine was attributed to methamphetamine. Arizona Criminal Justice Commission 1110 W. Washington, Suite 230 Phoenix, Arizona 85007 ● (602) 364-1146 Page 18 Byrne Justice Assistance Grant Program FY 2007 Annual Report Drug Court Adjudication Programs In FY 2007 (July 1, 2006 to June 30, 2007) Arizona’s drug court adjudication projects expended $673,899 in Byrne Justice Assistance Grant funds, $449,266 in local matching funds and $1,115,440 in state enhancement funds, for a total of $2,238,605. The enhanced drug court adjudication funds provide services for Arizona’s criminal justice system. The Administrative Office of the Courts (AOC) maintains administrative authority over 19 court-related activities receiving Byrne Justice Assistance Grants to accommodate increased caseloads resulting from the enhanced drug enforcement efforts in Arizona. The project provides a wide range of services to expedite the judicial process. These services could not have been provided without impacting other court services were it not for the grant assistance. Chart 8 Drug Court Adjudication Program Size FY 2004 - FY 2007 $3,000,000 $2,734,228 $2,668,422 $2,718,349 2,238,605 $2,500,000 $2,000,000 $1,500,000 $1,000,000 $500,000 $0 FY 2004 FY 2005 FY 2006 FY 2007 The goal of Arizona’s drug court adjudication program is to increase the courts’ ability to adjudicate people accused of violating controlled substance laws and enhancing probation services for drug law offenders. The objectives are to provide additional court divisions, judges and related essential staff for superior courts of greatest need in Arizona, and to provide support services where needed in the system to assist in the adjudication of illicit drug offenders because of enhanced drug enforcement and prosecution. The Arizona Superior Court consists of 171 judges serving four-year terms sitting in 15 counties. Since 1987 the criminal case activity in Arizona Superior Courts has increased steadily every year with increased filings and pending caseloads. Increased apprehension and prosecution because of the enhanced drug enforcement strategy in Arizona has impacted the already heavily burdened court system. The Arizona Drug Enforcement Strategy was developed as a system-wide enhancement, providing the Arizona Criminal Justice Commission 1110 W. Washington, Suite 230 Phoenix, Arizona 85007 ● (602) 364-1146 Page 19 Byrne Justice Assistance Grant Program FY 2007 Annual Report court component with enhanced funding to handle the increased workload. Case statistics from these programs reflect the impact of Arizona’s aggressive drug enforcement activities. The Drug Court Adjudication program continues to be a vital component of Arizona’s state-wide, system-wide drug enforcement. Without the added funding provided by the program, the court system would be unable to handle the caseload generated by the highly productive multi-jurisdictional drug task forces and prosecution efforts. N um ber of C as e s Chart 9 As chart 9 indicates Days to Dispositon for Drug Cases the majority of the FY 2005 - FY 2007 drug cases filed over the past three 14,000 years were disposed 12,000 of within 90-days of 10,000 filing. Additionally, 8,000 the number of drug 6,000 cases being 4,000 adjudicated has 2,000 increased, but the disposition of the FY 05 FY 06 FY 07 cases within 180 days has remained 1-90 Days 91-180 Days 181-270 Days 271-360 Days 361 + Days around 81 percent for the past two years. This indicates that Arizona is keeping up with the increased workload. Chart 10 Probation services for drug offenders are a service provided by the courts. During FY 2007 funding provided 161,415 urinalysis tests on offenders on probation. Limited funding paid for 5,556 of the tests shown in chart 10. Drug Tests Performed FY 2005 - FY 2007 200,000 150,000 100,000 155,849 103,952 80,302 49,127 53,032 50,000 5,556 - Arizona Criminal Justice Commission 1110 W. Washington, Suite 230 Phoenix, Arizona 85007 ● (602) 364-1146 FY 05 FY 06 Non Grant Funded FY 07 Grant Funded Page 20 Byrne Justice Assistance Grant Program FY 2007 Annual Report Gerald Hardt Memorial Criminal Justice Records Improvement Programs In FY 2007 (July 1, 2006 to June 30, 2007) Arizona’s criminal justice records improvement projects expended $140,741 in Byrne Justice Assistance Grant funds, and $46,914 in local matching funds, for a total $187,654. Chart 11 CJRIP Program Size The enhanced FY 2004 - FY 2007 criminal justice records $660,503 improvement funds $700,000 supported two $600,000 projects including $446,838 $500,000 $396,320 the enhancement of $400,000 the Arizona r $300,000 Disposition $187,654 $200,000 Reporting System $100,000 (ADRS). The initial $0 development of the FY 2004 FY 2005 FY 2006 FY 2007 ADRS is part of Arizona’s overall integrated criminal justice strategy focuses on improving the state’s criminal history records. In FY 2007, upgrades to the system include the data received from the Arrest Capture Data Collection (ACDC) system. In the past, Arizona has used National Criminal History Improvement Program (NCHIP) funds to leverage the effectiveness of the Criminal Justice Records Improvement program (CJRIP) funds by funding the National Instant Checks System (NICS) project that reduces the number of lapsed firearm background check requests by developing an automated system that will track NICS requests, send faxes and document to and from the FBI/NICS. The long-term goal of Arizona’s criminal justice records improvement program is to complete information systems integration within each city and county in Arizona, to include law enforcement, prosecutors and courts and to provide two-way information sharing among criminal justice agencies at the county level and the Arizona Computerized Criminal History (ACCH) also known as the central state repository at the Arizona Department of Public Safety (DPS). The objectives are to develop a statewide, fully integrated distribution system in which each component or agency supports functions of other components. Horizontal integration at the local level allows criminal justice information to flow through automated systems among law enforcement, county attorneys, courts, and other essential local criminal justice agencies. Arizona Criminal Justice Commission 1110 W. Washington, Suite 230 Phoenix, Arizona 85007 ● (602) 364-1146 Page 21 Byrne Justice Assistance Grant Program FY 2007 Annual Report Sex Offender Community Notification On June 1, 1996 Arizona adopted its version of Megan’s Law by enacting the Sex Offender Community Notification statutes. While records indicate that Arizona had laws regarding sex offender registration as early as 1939, never before has so much emphasis been focused on the sex offender population. The community notification process in Arizona is triggered by a sex offender’s release from jail/prison or sentence to probation. When this occurs, the respective county adult probation agency or Arizona Department of Corrections (ADC) is required to enter information about the offender into a statewide accessible database. One portion of this information involves the sex offender risk assessment. The risk assessment is a screening tool designed to provide criminal justice practitioners with the ability to predict a sex offender’s risk of recidivism. The Arizona risk assessment evaluates nineteen different criteria that have been identified by treatment experts as good predictors of future behavior. Each criterion is evaluated and assigned a point value, which ultimately is totaled for recommending an appropriate community notification level of 1, 2, or 3. Although probation agencies and DOC provide law enforcement agencies with a recommended community notification level, the local law enforcement agency may choose to complete its own risk assessment to ensure accuracy. Once the appropriate community notification level is established, the local law enforcement agency is required to complete a community notification in accordance with Arizona Revised Statute 13-3826. Law enforcement has complete discretion regarding community notification for Level 1 (Low Risk) offenders, however, state law requires mandatory community notification on all offenders assessed as a Level 2 (Intermediate Risk) or Level 3 (High Risk). This includes notification to the "surrounding neighborhood, area schools, appropriate community groups, and prospective employers. The notification shall include a flier with a photograph and exact address of the offender, as well as a summary of the offender’s status and criminal background. A press release and a level two or three flyer shall be given to the local electronic and print media to enable information to be placed in a local publication." In previous years—before the drastic reduction to the state Byrne grant program in FY 2005—Byrne funding was used to automate the sex offender registration process as part of the Criminal Justice Records Improvement program. The funding paid for hardware and software that allowed for automation within law enforcement agencies and allowed the Arizona Department of Corrections (ADC) to expand the automated sex offender registration through the Arizona Automated Fingerprint Identification System (AZAFIS) to register sex offenders prior to release from the ADC’s custody. The state picks up maintenance and other costs associated with sex offender registration and community notification. In 2006, Congress passed the Adam Walsh Child Protection and Safety Act. Title I of the Walsh Act—the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act—combined several Arizona Criminal Justice Commission 1110 W. Washington, Suite 230 Phoenix, Arizona 85007 ● (602) 364-1146 Page 22 Byrne Justice Assistance Grant Program FY 2007 Annual Report existing sex offender laws, including the Wetterling Act and Megan’s Law—and was passed with the intention of setting a comprehensive national standard for sex offender management. States are charged with establishing sex offender registration and community notification guidelines that are “substantially in compliance” with the provisions of the Walsh Act, or they risk losing 10 percent of the Byrne funding for their respective states. Arizona has submitted its sex offender registration and community notification statutes, policies and procedures to the U.S. Department of Justice Sex Offender Sentencing, Monitoring, Apprehending, Registering, and Tracking (SMART) Office. The SMART Office is charged with assisting states meet the requirements as set forth under the U.S. Attorney General’s guidelines. As of September 2007, Arizona was awaiting notification on its compliance status. The deadline for compliance is July 27, 2009, with two one-year extensions possible. Arizona Criminal Justice Commission 1110 W. Washington, Suite 230 Phoenix, Arizona 85007 ● (602) 364-1146 Page 23 Byrne Justice Assistance Grant Program FY 2007 Annual Report Byrne Justice Assistance Grants Under 10K The creation of the new Byrne/JAG program combined the Local Law Enforcement Block Grant (LLEBG) program with the Edward Byrne Memorial State and Local Law Enforcement Formula Grant Program. Forty percent of Byrne/JAG funding is administered by the Bureau of Justice Assistance directly to local units of government. The Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA) set a $10,000 threshold for grants to units of local government eligible to receive an award. With further reduction in Byrne/JAG funds for FY 2007 and FY 2008, ACJC continues to direct these funds to local agencies with multi-jurisdictional drug task forces and tandem prosecution programs to support the state’s strategy in the reduction of drugs, gangs and violent crimes. Arizona Criminal Justice Commission 1110 W. Washington, Suite 230 Phoenix, Arizona 85007 ● (602) 364-1146 Page 24 Byrne Justice Assistance Grant Program FY 2007 Annual Report Drug Availability Cocaine Cocaine is readily available throughout Arizona. The largest quantities for sale are found in the metropolitan areas of Tucson and Phoenix. Crack is readily available in Arizona’s inner cities and in some small communities. Crack retails for an average price of $10$20/rock (250 milligram to .70 grams). Powder cocaine retail prices average $85$130/gram (1/8 ounce). Chart 12 Cocaine Arrests FY 2004 - FY 2007 1,000 916 895 800 656 600 400 283 200 FY 2004 FY 2005 FY 2006 FY 2007 As shown in chart 12 Arizona’s multi-jurisdictional drug task force data shows an increase in cocaine arrests for FY 2007. The Counter Narcotics Alliance Group (CNA) operating in the greater Tucson/Pima metropolitan area reports that 42 percent of the arrests in FY 2007 were attributable to cocaine. The multi-jurisdictional drug task forces operating along the Arizona–Mexico border are responsible for the majority of cocaine trafficking seizures. In FY 2007 the Yuma County Narcotics Task Force (YCNTF), Cochise County Border Alliance Group (BAG), Santa Cruz County METRO Task Force (SCCMTF) operating along Arizona’s border with Mexico are responsible for the majority of the cocaine seizures at 418,131 grams (more than 921 pounds). These task forces are the first line of defense in border drug trafficking operations. Arizona Criminal Justice Commission 1110 W. Washington, Suite 230 Phoenix, Arizona 85007 ● (602) 364-1146 Page 25 Byrne Justice Assistance Grant Program FY 2007 Annual Report Chart 13 Cocaine Seizures FY 2004 - FY 2007 2,000,000 1,798,175 Grams 1,500,000 1,038,888 861,692 1,000,000 683,344 500,000 FY 2004 FY 2005 FY 2006 FY 2007 The Navajo County Narcotics Task Force (MCAT) and the Mohave Area Narcotics Enforcement Team (MAGNET) operating along the east-west Interstate 40, a major drug trafficking corridor, were responsible for the seizure of 208,786 grams, or more than 417 pounds of cocaine. Total cocaine grams seized in FY 2007 is 861,692 as shown in chart 13 a 2.6 percent increase from FY 2006. Chart 14 Cocaine Convictions FY 2004 - FY 2007 3,000 2,797 2,814 FY 2006 FY 2007 2,242 2,500 2,015 2,000 1,500 1,000 500 FY 2004 FY 2005 Although multi-jurisdictional drug task force data shows an increase in cocaine arrests for FY 2007, the convictions are slightly above prior years as shown in chart 14. The majority of cocaine convictions are being reported by the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office, the largest populated county in Arizona. In addition to arrests made by the multi-jurisdictional drug task force projects, these cases are presented for prosecution by narcotics bureaus within law enforcement agencies in the metropolitan areas of Phoenix, Tempe, Mesa, Scottsdale, and Glendale. Arizona Criminal Justice Commission 1110 W. Washington, Suite 230 Phoenix, Arizona 85007 ● (602) 364-1146 Page 26 Byrne Justice Assistance Grant Program FY 2007 Annual Report Marijuana Marijuana remains readily available and is considered the most widely used illegal drug throughout the state. Mexican-produced marijuana retails for $10-$25 per ¼ ounce. Domestically grown plants average about $500/pound. Chart 15 Marijuana Arrests FY 2004 - FY 2006 3,000 2,456 2,500 2,000 1,500 1,496 1,538 1,673 FY 2004 FY 2005 FY 2006 1,000 500 FY 2007 Arizona shows an overall increase in marijuana arrests for FY 2007 as shown in chart 15. The Santa Cruz County METRO Task Force (SCCMTF), Cochise County Border Alliance Group (BAG) and the Yuma County Narcotics Task Force (YCNTF) reported the largest percentage of arrest for this drug type at 69-78 percent of their overall arrests. These task forces operating along the border are the first line of defense in marijuana drug trafficking operations. In addition, those loads that make it past the border task forces may be intercepted by the Pinal County Narcotics Task Force (PCNTF) that, in cooperation with tribal police, patrol reservation land that runs north of the U.S.-Mexico border along the western side of Interstate 10, drug trafficking route. Sixty-four percent of their arrests were for marijuana related offenses. Mexican drug trafficking organizations (DTOs) and criminal groups continue to smuggle marijuana through remote areas of public and tribal lands. The transportation of marijuana now incorporates the use of illegal immigrants carrying marijuana bales on theirs backs through the rough and steep terrain in exchange for safe passage into the United States. Arizona Criminal Justice Commission 1110 W. Washington, Suite 230 Phoenix, Arizona 85007 ● (602) 364-1146 Page 27 Byrne Justice Assistance Grant Program FY 2007 Annual Report Chart 16 Marijuana Seizures FY 2004 - FY 2007 276,906 300,000 Pounds 250,000 250,530 252,007 FY 2005 FY 2006 221,205 200,000 150,000 100,000 50,000 FY 2004 FY 2007 In FY 2007 the multi-jurisdictional task forces seized 276,906 pounds of marijuana as shown in chart 16. The Counter Narcotics Alliance (CNA) operating in the metropolitan Tucson area and along the interstate I-10 and I-19 drug trafficking routes was responsible for the seizure of 162,030 pounds of marijuana. Chart 17 Marijuana Plant Seizures FY 2004 - FY 2007 140,000 114,783 120,000 Plants 100,000 83,656 80,000 60,000 40,000 20,000 20,527 13,728 FY 2004 FY 2005 FY 2006 FY 2007 Arizona experienced a decline in home grown marijuana plants seized in FY 2007 because of difficult growing conditions this past year as shown in chart 17. The Gila County Narcotics Task Force operating along the Mogallon Rim is concentrating on marijuana discovery and eradication activities from April to September each year. They have few arrests doing these activities as those who tend the marijuana groves quickly disappear into the forest when discovered. Arizona Criminal Justice Commission 1110 W. Washington, Suite 230 Phoenix, Arizona 85007 ● (602) 364-1146 Page 28 Byrne Justice Assistance Grant Program FY 2007 Annual Report Chart 18 Marijuana Convictions FY 2004 - FY 2007 7,222 8,000 7,000 6,371 7,017 6,101 6,000 5,000 4,000 3,000 2,000 1,000 FY 2004 FY 2005 FY 2006 FY2007 Just like marijuana arrests, convictions depict a minor decrease over the previous year as shown in chart 18. The majority of the marijuana convictions being reported are from Maricopa County Attorney’s Office. In addition to arrests made by the multijurisdictional drug task force projects, these cases are presented for prosecution by narcotics bureaus within law enforcement agencies in the metropolitan areas of Phoenix, Tempe, Mesa, Scottsdale, and Glendale. Arizona Criminal Justice Commission 1110 W. Washington, Suite 230 Phoenix, Arizona 85007 ● (602) 364-1146 Page 29 Byrne Justice Assistance Grant Program FY 2007 Annual Report Heroin Black tar heroin is the predominant type of heroin found in Arizona. Mexican-produced black tar heroin retails for $80-$120/gram in the Tucson metropolitan area and sells for slightly less in Phoenix. Chart 19 Arizona shows a Heroin Arrests decrease in heroin FY 2004 - FY 2007 arrests for FY 2007 as shown in chart 74 80 19. The Northern 66 62 70 Arizona Street 60 Crimes Task Force 50 (METRO) and the 41 40 Counter Narcotics 30 Alliance (CNA) 20 reported the largest 10 percentage of arrest 0 for this drug type at FY 2004 FY 2005 FY 2006 FY 2007 2.5 percent of their overall arrests. In FY 2007 the Santa Cruz County METRO Task Force (SCCMTF) operating along the southeastern U.S.-Mexico border area was responsible for the majority of the heroin seized at 7,439 grams. The Counter Narcotics Alliance (CNA) reported the seizure of 3,902 grams. The majority of heroin is seized along the U.S.-Mexico border by those task forces operating in these areas. Chart 20 Heroin Seizures FY 2004 - FY 2007 60,000 55,547 Grams 50,000 40,000 30,000 20,000 14,707 15,300 FY 2006 FY 2007 10,007 10,000 FY 2004 FY 2005 In general heroin in small amounts have been seized in Arizona as shown in chart 20. Heroin is not the major drug encountered or the current illicit drug of choice in Arizona. Most heroin smuggled into Arizona is transshipped to other U.S. locations. Arizona Criminal Justice Commission 1110 W. Washington, Suite 230 Phoenix, Arizona 85007 ● (602) 364-1146 Page 30 Byrne Justice Assistance Grant Program FY 2007 Annual Report Although multi-jurisdictional drug task force data shows a reduction in heroin arrests for FY 2007 as noted in chart 21, the convictions remain the same at 277 from the prior year with the majority of the heroin convictions being reported from Maricopa County Attorney’s Office. In addition to arrests made by the multi-jurisdictional drug task force projects, these cases are presented for prosecution by narcotics bureaus within law enforcement agencies in the metropolitan areas of Phoenix, Tempe, Glendale, Scottsdale, and Mesa. Chart 21 Heroin Convictions FY 2004 - FY 2007 300 250 200 193 198 FY 2004 FY 2005 277 277 FY 2006 FY 2007 150 100 50 0 Arizona Criminal Justice Commission 1110 W. Washington, Suite 230 Phoenix, Arizona 85007 ● (602) 364-1146 Page 31 Byrne Justice Assistance Grant Program FY 2007 Annual Report Other Drugs The abuse of prescription drugs and over-the-counter medications such as oxycodone products (i.e. OxyContin® and Percocet®), hydrocodone products (i.e. Vicodin®) and phentermine, over-the-counter drug medication and steroids continue to be a problem in the state. Chart 22 Other Drug Arrests FY 2004 - FY 2007 700 600 500 607 526 493 398 400 300 200 100 0 FY 2004 FY 2005 FY 2006 Arizona shows an increase in Other Drug Arrests in FY 2007 as shown in chart 22. In some of rural counties other drugs represent 13 to 20 percent of all illicit drug arrests. FY 2007 In FY 2007, 428,652 dosage units of other drugs were seized by the Commercial Narcotics Interdiction Unit operating at Sky Harbor Airport. The balance of seizures came from Arizona’s rural narcotics task forces as shown in chart 23. Chart 23 Other Drug Seizures FY 2004 - FY 2007 1,117,686 1,200,000 Dosage Units 1,000,000 800,000 614,519 600,000 400,000 409,420 180,271 200,000 FY 2004 FY 2005 FY 2006 FY 2007 The 2004 Partnership Attitude Tracking Survey (PATS) conducted by the Partnership for a Drug-Free America, shows that teenagers are abusing a variety of prescription and over-the-counter drugs to get high. ACJC’S 2006 Arizona Youth Survey (AYS) indicated that illicit use of prescription drugs ranked third behind alcohol and marijuana use among Arizona’s 8th, 10th, and 12th graders. Arizona Criminal Justice Commission 1110 W. Washington, Suite 230 Phoenix, Arizona 85007 ● (602) 364-1146 Page 32 Byrne Justice Assistance Grant Program FY 2007 Annual Report Methamphetamine Mexican–produced methamphetamine is the predominant form found in Arizona. Methamphetamine retail prices average $60-$80 for 1/16 of an ounce in Tucson, while the Phoenix market averages $40-$60/gram. The wholesale price for methamphetamine has recently increased from $8,000 to $10,500 per pound resulted from Mexico’s recent legislative changes and the collaborative efforts in several successful law enforcement interdictions, seizures, and arrests that created a temporary shortage of methamphetamine. Chart 24 Metham phetam ine Arrests FY 2004 - FY 2007 1,600 1,366 1,400 1,184 1,200 1,260 1,011 1,000 800 600 400 200 Arizona multijurisdictional drug task force data shows a slight increase in meth arrests for FY 2007 as shown in chart 24. FY 2004 FY 2005 FY 2006 FY 2007 The La Paz County Narcotics Task Force (LPCNTF) reported the largest arrest increase of 20 percent. The seven remaining task forces show a decline in arrests for this drug type in FY 2007 with the Navajo County Major Crimes Apprehension Team (MCAT) leading the decline by 24 percent and Southeast Arizona Narcotics Task Force reporting the second highest decrease at 18 percent from FY 2006. Chart 25 Methamphetamine Seizures FY 2004 - FY 2007 350,000 G ra m s 300,000 250,000 200,000 150,000 317,516 261,796 206,231 190,776 100,000 50,000 FY 2004 FY 2005 Arizona Criminal Justice Commission 1110 W. Washington, Suite 230 Phoenix, Arizona 85007 ● (602) 364-1146 FY 2006 FY 2007 Methamphetamine seizures have decreased from FY 2006 (577 pounds) to 421 pounds, as shown in chart 25. Of the total amount seized, the Phoenix metro area the Commercial Interdiction Unit seized a record amount of meth Page 33 Byrne Justice Assistance Grant Program FY 2007 Annual Report (48,294 grams) by for this task force through the interception of commercial transship of packages to and from other destinations. Their focus is primarily at the Sky Harbor International Airport, which is a main artery of transportation and shipping for Arizona. Although multi-jurisdictional drug task force data shows a slight increase in methamphetamine arrests for FY 2007. Convictions for methamphetamine show a slight reduction from FY 2006 as shown in chart 26. The majority of the methamphetamine convictions are being reported from Maricopa County Attorney’s Office. In addition to arrests made by the multi-jurisdictional drug task force projects, these cases are presented for prosecution by narcotics bureaus within law enforcement agencies in the metropolitan areas of Phoenix, Tempe, Glendale, Scottsdale, and Mesa. Chart 26 Methamphetamine Convictions FY 2004 - FY 2007 6,000 5,091 4,565 5,000 4,000 3,293 3,404 FY 2004 FY 2005 3,000 2,000 1,000 - Arizona Criminal Justice Commission 1110 W. Washington, Suite 230 Phoenix, Arizona 85007 ● (602) 364-1146 FY 2006 FY 2007 Page 34 Byrne Justice Assistance Grant Program FY 2007 Annual Report Clandestine Laboratories in Arizona Clandestine methamphetamine labs can be assembled almost anywhere and are frequently found in cars, apartments, motel rooms, and camping sites. Chart 27 Arizona multiClandestine Laboratory Seized jurisdictional drug FY 2004 - FY 2007 task force data shows a decline in clandestine 45 38 40 laboratories seized 40 in Arizona as noted 35 in chart 27. Factors 30 contributing to this 25 20 16 decline may include 20 15 new city ordinances 10 that require retailers 5 to place pseudoephedrine FY 2004 FY 2005 FY 2006 FY 2007 behind the counter and the increase in production by super-labs operating in Mexico. These super-labs produce a higher quality meth. Legislation in Mexico pertaining to the importation of psuedoephedrine into that country has contributed to the price increase this past year. Arizona law requires that meth labs be cleaned up at the expense of the property owner. A notice is posted stating the action the property owner must take to remediate the property. The property owner may not sell or rent the property until cleanup is complete. The Arizona Board of Technical Registration has developed standards that companies must comply with in order to be on a list of approved cleanup firms. However, these laws do not include property such as vehicles, mobile homes, sheds, motel rooms, and chemical dump sites. The cleanup of these types of properties may be done at taxpayer expense if at all. Each pound of methamphetamine produced leaves behind 5-7 pounds of toxic waste. Disposal of these chemicals such as acids and other toxic substances cost Arizona $4.1 million from 2000-2005 according to Arizona’s Meth Crisis 2006, published by the Arizona Attorney General. In FY 2007, 16 methamphetamine labs were seized. One of these labs involved two minor children were removed by the 16 multi-jurisdictional drug task forces operating in Arizona. Arizona Criminal Justice Commission 1110 W. Washington, Suite 230 Phoenix, Arizona 85007 ● (602) 364-1146 Page 35 Byrne Justice Assistance Grant Program FY 2007 Annual Report State Methamphetamine Initiatives On February 12-14, 2006, Governor Janet Napolitano and Attorney General Terry Goddard hosted a solution-focused conference: Addressing the Methamphetamine Problem in Arizona-Enforcement, Prevention and Treatment - A Call to Action. The conference focused on developing multidisciplinary approaches to addressing the impact of methamphetamine in Arizona. The conference marked a milestone in Arizona’s fight against meth by bringing more than 600 stakeholders to action including local business, law enforcement, treatment, and prevention professionals. This conference also served as an initial meeting of the state’s 22 newly formed antimethamphetamine coalitions and identified the need for comprehensive approaches to address the methamphetamine problem in Arizona. The Governor’s Methamphetamine Task Force Governor Janet Napolitano appointed the Arizona Methamphetamine Task Force in August 2006 to develop a comprehensive strategic action plan to tackle the state’s growing methamphetamine problem. Over an eight month period the task force spent time reviewing background and history of the state’s efforts surrounding methamphetamine and examining data regarding the methamphetamine problem in Arizona. The task force conducted program and data gap analysis and reviewed promising approaches and evidence-based practices and the most effective strategies for prevention, treatment, interdiction and enforcement. On January 10-11, 2007 the Arizona Methamphetamine Task Force in partnership with the Governor’s Office of Children, Youth and Families hosted a Strategic Action Planning Summit at which more than 400 stakeholders from professional, community and tribal sectors gave input and recommendations on how to best address and overcome the state’s methamphetamine problem. The summit produced numerous innovative and creative recommendations from the following domains: law enforcement and prosecution; treatment; prevention and education; child welfare; courts; probation, and parole; environmental cleanup; media and public awareness; and faith-based, community, and no-profit organizations. These recommendations gave the task force members a picture of Arizona’s individual community methamphetamine problems as experienced by citizens and professionals working to combat methamphetamine, which had a significant influence on the recommendations in the strategic plan. In May, 2007 the Task Force released their action plan. A Plan for Action: Addressing the Methamphetamine Crisis in Arizona. http://gocyf.az.gov/docs/NR_050707_%20meth%20report%20release.pdf http://www.azgovernor.gov/dms/upload/NR_050707_Meth%20Report.pdf. The meth action plan provides a framework for policy makers, substance abuse specialists, law enforcement and community members to work together to fight this destructive drug. Arizona Criminal Justice Commission 1110 W. Washington, Suite 230 Phoenix, Arizona 85007 ● (602) 364-1146 Page 36 Byrne Justice Assistance Grant Program FY 2007 Annual Report The task force is committed to the implementation and continues to meet, revise and change the plan as new and more effective strategies are developed to fight the methamphetamine problem. HB 2554 Methamphetamine Interdiction Funds House Bill 2554 appropriated $3 million from the state general fund in FY 2007 to the Arizona Criminal Justice Commission for distribution based on population to each of Arizona’s 15 county board of supervisors for increased methamphetamine interdiction efforts including training, prosecution, abuse treatment, or education programs. Each county are using funds in their communities as needed. Seven counties have approved the use of their total funds, and two counties have approved the use of a portion of their funds to support the Arizona Meth Project, a prevention program whose goal is to reduce first-time methamphetamine use among Arizona youth. Maricopa County is serving as the project manager for this project. A tenth county is using its funds to support a school resource officer, but has received additional financial support from a local corporation that will allow them to participate in the Arizona Meth Project. http://www.arizonamethproject.org. The two counties are using a portion of funding for the Arizona Meth Project are using the remainder to emphasize school-based prevention programs and radio programming focused on methamphetamine prevention. In addition, one county is using funds to join the Arizona chapter of Partnership for a Drug Free America, drug interdiction, drug prosecution and drug court activities. Other counties are using funds to expand Weed and Seed programs, and enhancing current efforts in the area of media, prevention, enforcement and training. In addition, drug court treatment of methamphetamine abusers, adult behavioral health services, and drug diversion programs that match meth users with appropriate treatment options are being funded. The House Bill also appropriated $2.5 million to establish the addiction reduction and recovery fund for the purpose of funding drug and alcohol abuse services and prevention programs, including programs for methamphetamine abuse services and prevention through regional behavior health authorities in the state. The local communities of Payson, Yuma, Globe, Winslow and Holbrook have been identified to receive funds to open regional behavioral health centers that will be operational May 1, 2008. This fund is administered by the director of the Department of Health Services. Drug Endangered Children Program (DEC) In the State vs. Brown (March 2005) the defendant was sentenced to 23.25 years in prison for manufacturing methamphetamine in the presence of children. The sentence received related to two separate cases. This first incident occurred in December 2002 and involved the defendant’s own four children. The second incident occurred just over one year later in January 2004 and included the defendant’s girlfriend’s children. Maricopa County Superior Court Judge Dennis Dairman called the danger of exposing six Arizona Criminal Justice Commission 1110 W. Washington, Suite 230 Phoenix, Arizona 85007 ● (602) 364-1146 Page 37 Byrne Justice Assistance Grant Program FY 2007 Annual Report children to methamphetamine, one of whom had Down’s Syndrome and the lack of adequate remorse as factors in sentencing Brown. The Arizona DEC program was established in 2000 to address the problems associated with methamphetamine production in homes where children are present. The children who live in and around meth labs are at the greatest risk of harm due to the abuse and neglect perpetrated on them by their caretakers. The DEC program is a multidisciplinary approach that ensures that agencies involved in seizing clandestine methamphetamine laboratories have immediate access to qualified personnel who can respond immediately to the potential health needs of any children who are present or living at the site. The protocol includes procedures for taking children into protective custody and arranging for protective services, immediately testing them for methamphetamine exposure, conducting medical and mental health assessments, and ensuring short- and long-term care and follow up. This coordinated, multidisciplinary team approach is critical to ensure that the needs of child victims are met and that adequate information is available to prosecute drug and child abuse cases successfully. Arizona Criminal Justice Commission 1110 W. Washington, Suite 230 Phoenix, Arizona 85007 ● (602) 364-1146 Page 38 Byrne Justice Assistance Grant Program FY 2007 Annual Report Substance Use Among Arizona Youth The Arizona Criminal Justice Commission (ACJC) in collaboration with the Governor’s Office, the Department of Education, the Department of Health Services, and the Office of Problem Gambling conducted a statewide survey to assess risky behavior – such as the use of alcohol, tobacco, and other dangerous drugs – among Arizona 8th, 10th, and 12th grade students in 2006. The study is legislatively mandated to measure attitudes, prevalence, and frequency of substance abuse among children in the state. The 2006 Arizona Youth Survey (AYS) was administered in schools representing all 15 counties in Arizona. The 2006 AYS consisted of data from 362 schools and 60,401 students. Alcohol continues to be the most used substance among youth in Arizona across all grades, with 50.4 percent of 8th graders, 67.6 percent of 10th graders, and 74.5 percent of 12th graders reported having drank alcohol at least once in their lifetime. For substance use in the 30 days prior to taking the survey, alcohol was the most widely used, with 24.1 percent of 8th graders, 39.2 percent of 10th graders, and 47 percent of 12th graders having drank alcohol at least once in the 30 days before taking the survey. The four substances that have the highest percentages of lifetime and 30 days use are alcohol, marijuana, prescription drugs, and sedatives. Generally the results show that the rate of substance use among youth tends to increase as a youth’s age increases. As can be seen in tables 1 and 2, the only exception to this pattern are the rates of inhalant use, which actually decreases as youth gets older. Chart 28 and Chart 29 on page 40 shows the usage rates by gender. The rates of substance use for males and females are generally similar to one another. Surprisingly, for some drugs girls report slightly higher rates of use than boys. For more information and to read the complete report go the ACJC web site at: http://azcjc.gov/pubs/home/2006_AYS_State_Report_Final_110706.pdf Table 1: Percentage of Arizona Students Who Have Used Drugs in Their Lifetime Alcohol Cigarettes Smokeless Tobacco Marijuana Inhalants Hallucinogens Cocaine Sedatives Stimulants Ecstasy Heroin Methamphetamines Steroids Prescription Drugs 8th Grade 10th Grade 12th Grade 50.4 67.6 74.5 30.8 43.8 50.0 8.0 11.8 15.6 18.3 34.0 42.6 15.2 11.9 9.8 2.1 4.1 5.6 3.6 7.6 11.6 10.0 14.3 17.4 3.4 7.1 8.5 1.9 3.4 4.4 1.4 2.1 2.8 2.6 5.0 6.6 1.6 2.0 2.2 9.8 16.0 20.0 Arizona Criminal Justice Commission 1110 W. Washington, Suite 230 Phoenix, Arizona 85007 ● (602) 364-1146 Total 61.7 39.6 11.0 29.2 12.9 3.6 6.8 13.2 5.9 3.0 2.0 4.3 1.9 14.3 Table 2: Percentage of Arizona Students Who Have Used Drugs in the Past 30-Days Alcohol Cigarettes Smokeless Tobacco Marijuana Inhalants Hallucinogens Cocaine Sedatives Stimulants Ecstasy Heroin Methamphetamines Steroids Prescription Drugs 8th Grade 10th Grade 12th Grade 24.1 39.2 47.0 10.5 17.1 21.8 2.7 4.0 5.4 8.5 15.7 18.1 6.2 3.1 1.7 1.0 1.7 1.7 1.7 2.9 3.3 4.5 6.6 7.1 1.5 2.9 2.6 0.8 1.0 0.9 0.7 0.7 0.8 1.0 1.7 1.4 0.8 1.0 1.0 4.5 7.3 8.1 Total 34.4 15.3 3.8 13.1 4.1 1.4 2.5 5.8 2.2 0.9 0.7 1.3 0.9 6.3 Page 39 Byrne Justice Assistance Grant Program FY 2007 Annual Report Chart 28 Lifetime Usage by Gender Percentage of students who have used drugs in their Lifetime 35.0 30.0 25.0 20.0 15.0 10.0 5.0 0.0 Lifetime Marijuana Lifetime Hallucinogens Lifetime Cocaine Lifetime Sedatives Lifetime Stimulants Lifetime Ecstasy Lifetime Heroin Lifetime Methamphetamin es Lifetime Prescription Drugs Males 31.1 4.0 6.9 11.0 5.3 2.9 2.1 3.7 12.9 Females 27.3 3.2 6.7 15.1 6.3 3.0 1.8 4.9 15.4 30-Day Stimulants 30-Day Ecstasy 30-Day Heroin 30-Day Methamphetamin es 30-Day Prescription Drugs Chart 29 30-Day Usage by Gender Percentage of students who have used drugs in the past 30-days 16.0 14.0 12.0 10.0 8.0 6.0 4.0 2.0 0.0 30-Day Marijuana 30-Day Hallucinogens Males 15.0 1.7 2.7 5.1 2.0 1.0 0.9 1.2 6.0 Females 11.5 1.1 2.2 6.5 2.4 0.7 0.5 1.4 6.4 30-Day Cocaine 30-Day Sedatives Arizona Criminal Justice Commission 1110 W. Washington, Suite 230 Phoenix, Arizona 85007 ● (602) 364-1146 Page 40 Byrne Justice Assistance Grant Program FY 2007 Annual Report FY 2007 Byrne/JAG Making a Difference in Arizona Phoenix Commercial Narcotics Interdiction Program financial assets related to illicit drug trafficking. Based in Phoenix, Arizona, the Commercial Narcotics Interdiction Program is a multi-jurisdictional, multiagency unit of federal, state and local officers organized to identify, arrest, and prosecute drug traffickers using commercial transportation and air freight/parcel companies to transport drugs and money for drug purchases. The Commercial Narcotics Interdiction Program is administered by the Phoenix Police Department and includes participants from the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and the Maricopa County Attorney's Office. An international component includes U.S. Customs agents. The task force also gathers intelligence and submits the information to the federal El Paso Intelligence Center (EPIC) and the Arizona Counter Terrorism Intelligence Center (ACTIC). Marijuana sealed in cans. Three pounds of methamphetamine discovered in teddy bears. The task force’s mission is to disrupt or dismantle criminal organizations that utilize commercial businesses such as airlines, buses, parcel, freight and shipping companies to facilitate their illegal activities. To accomplish this mission, task force members arrest and prosecute individuals transporting illegal drugs through commercial transportation, seize illegal drugs being transported, and seize cash and other Arizona Criminal Justice Commission 1110 W. Washington, Suite 230 Phoenix, Arizona 85007 ● (602) 364-1146 Funded in large part through federal Byrne/Justice Assistance Grants, the task force uses a variety of methods to carry out its mission and fulfill its interdiction responsibilities. The investigations are intelligence-driven, and the task force frequently relies on industry insiders to provide tips regarding suspicious activity, such as suspicious ticket purchase and travel arrangements, unusual shipping and packaging on transported items, and other suspicious activity. Task force members also watch highway transporters for suspicious activity and work with trained K-9 detectors at all levels of interdiction. Page 41 Byrne Justice Assistance Grant Program FY 2007 Annual Report Santa Cruz County Metro Task Force On and Under the Border Arizona and Mexico share a 370-mile border, much of which is sparsely populated, open desert, making it difficult for agencies charged with monitoring border activity. This also proves attractive for illicit drug smuggling operations. Cash suspected of being used for a drug buy in Arizona was concealed in sealed pages of a travel magazine. A total of $65,000 was seized within the pages of these magazines in June, 2007. Project Accomplishments Since its inception in 1988 through FY05, the task force seized more than 600 pounds of cocaine, nearly 70,000 pounds of marijuana, more than 100 cannabis plants, 16 pounds of heroin, more than 240 pounds of methamphetamine and more than one million dosage units of other drugs. The unit seized assets with an estimated value totaling more than $34 million, most in cash. Of the unit's total of 2,522 arrests, 2,032 (81 percent) were for sales/trafficking offenses. During CY2006, the efforts of the Commercial Interdiction Unit led to the arrests of 158 suspects and the filing of 275 criminal charges. The majority of these arrests were for drug trafficking and/or distribution-related charges. The unit was involved in the seizure of more than 4627 pounds of marijuana, 4.1 kilos of cocaine, 2.7 kilo's of methamphetamine, seven guns, seven vehicles, and more than $2.7 million in cash. This productivity indicates an increase in the level of illegal activity where commercial carriers are being used in and through Maricopa County, even though security has been heightened throughout the nation. Arizona Criminal Justice Commission 1110 W. Washington, Suite 230 Phoenix, Arizona 85007 ● (602) 364-1146 The Santa Cruz County Multi-agency Enforcement Against Trafficking and Racketeering Offenses (METRO) Task Force is a multi-jurisdictional narcotics task force strategically based in Nogales, Arizona, which is home to the state’s busiest port-of-entry with Mexico. Based out of the Santa Cruz County Sheriff’s Office, task force participants include Nogales Police Department, Arizona National Guard Joint Counter Narcotics Task Force, Arizona Department of Public Safety, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Santa Cruz County Attorney’s Office, U.S. Border Patrol, and U.S. Forest Service. The task force is organized to work closely with federal agencies, particularly the Drug Enforcement Administration, to address drug trafficking problems in Nogales and Santa Cruz County. This has been designated a Southwest Border High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area. Funded in part through the federal Byrne/Justice Assistance Grants program, the task force’s mission is to reduce the illegal importation and transportation of illicit drugs and narcotics by identifying, arresting, and seizing illicit drugs and traffickers assets. Page 42 Byrne Justice Assistance Grant Program FY 2007 Annual Report Project Activity Since it was combined with the Nogales CEASE task force in July 1990, the Santa Cruz County Metro Task Force has made 4,387 drug arrests. The task force has seized 9,667 pounds of cocaine, more than 57 pounds of heroin, and nearly 400,000 pounds of marijuana, along with drug law violators' assets with an estimated value of more than $11 million. In FY06 alone, the task force was responsible for more than 400 arrests for trafficking and possession of narcotics. It is common for agents to seize hundreds of pounds of marijuana and/or cocaine when raiding border tunnels. underground cross-border tunnels used to smuggle illegal narcotic and human cargo. The DEA reports that at least 27 such tunnels have been discovered in Nogales between 1990 and 2007. Tunnels are located leading into rental homes or businesses on both sides of the border. These tunnels are hand-dug, and dirt that is removed is usually placed into burlap bags and stored within the premises, using space in closets, bathrooms, bedrooms or even in the backyards. Drug seizures from these tunnels usually include hundreds of pounds of marijuana or cocaine. One of the less sophisticated – but highly functionaltunnels discovered in Nogales. Aside from the illegal activity precipitated through the use of these tunnels, the tunnels often present physical danger to the persons using them. Many of these tunnels tie into existing drainage systems and quickly flood. Border Patrol agents and city firefighters rescued seven people from a flooded tunnel in August 2007; another person drowned. Tunnel sites that have been sealed by the Santa Cruz County METRO Task Force. Shutting Down the Tunnels But the numbers only tell part of the story. Nogales also is the site of secret Arizona Criminal Justice Commission 1110 W. Washington, Suite 230 Phoenix, Arizona 85007 ● (602) 364-1146 Page 43 Byrne Justice Assistance Grant Program FY 2007 Annual Report Commercial Interdiction Unit Uses Program Income to Purchase K-9 SUV Police Cruisers Equipped With Heat Sensor Safety In June 2007, the Phoenix Police Department put in a request to use Byrne/JAG generated program income funds for three K-9 SUV police cruisers equipped with heat sensor safety devices for the Commercial Interdiction K-9 Unit funded by Byrne/JAG. The police department made the case for the cruisers after one of its narcotics K-9s, Top, died of heat exhaustion after air conditioning failed in a converted unit. The death of the dog led Phoenix Police Department to review all of its units and planned for the replacement of vehicles not specifically equipped with heat notification equipment. This is particularly important as temperatures in Phoenix hover at 100 to 110 degrees F between June and September, and the temperature inside a vehicle in the summer sun can increase another 50 degrees F in less than one hour. The request for use of program income funds was approved by the Bureau of Justice Assistance, and Phoenix Police Department purchased three SUVs and installed a three-phase heat sensor/alarm in each of the vehicles. This equipment constantly monitors the temperature in two different parts of the interior of the vehicle. The first safety phase is paging the K-9 handler if the Arizona Criminal Justice Commission 1110 W. Washington, Suite 230 Phoenix, Arizona 85007 ● (602) 364-1146 interior temperature rises to a preset level. The K-9 handlers also carry a system pager that monitors both temperature settings and pages the K-9 handler if the car gets hot. The second phase is an additional fan installed in the K-9 compartment that turns on and the vent windows automatically open. The third phase is an audible alarm that starts sounding and all of the windows roll down. There have been no heat related deaths with this system. The funding will protect the Commercial Interdiction Unit’s investment in its K-9 narcotics dogs. Radar, Ty and Bella showing off their new SUVs. These successful projects are possible because of federal funding that has been provided under the Byrne/Justice Assistance Grants Program Award Nos. 2005-DJ-BX 0455 and 2006-DJ-BX-0075. Page 44 Byrne Justice Assistance Grant Program FY 2007 Annual Report Ripped from the Headlines Tucson is making progress against meth, though drug hurdles remain, summit hears Arizona Daily Star – 12/20/2006 PIMA COUNTY – The Tucson community has made progress in reducing the availability of methamphetamine and the crime that comes with it, authorities said Tuesday, but challenges remain in battling drug abuse, including an increase in heroin use. Tucson Police Department Capt. David Neri, head of the interagency Counter Narcotics Alliance, said there have been a 45 percent reduction in meth availability and a 30 percent reduction in meth-related crime. Chief Richard Miranda said the Police Department’s success in cracking down on meth abuse also came after the Tucson City County passed ordinances that regulate the sale of products containing pseudoephedrine, which is found in cold medicine and can be used to manufacture meth. Full article available at www.azstarnet.com. 68 pounds of meth seized in traffic stop Arizona Daily Star – 01/31/2007 PIMA COUNTY – A man was arrested Monday after an officer conducting a traffic stop on Interstate 10 near Marana found 68 pounds of methamphetamine manufactured in Mexico in a pickup truck the man was driving, an official said. Joshio A. Amarillas, Arizona Criminal Justice Commission 1110 W. Washington, Suite 230 Phoenix, Arizona 85007 ● (602) 364-1146 18, was arrested on suspicion of violating federal narcotic charges. Detectives from the Counter Narcotics Alliance arrived and found 68 one-pound bags in a four-inch compartment lining the entire truck bed, Morlock said. An investigation determined that the methamphetamine was headed for the Phoenix metropolitan area where it would likely have gone to a stash house before being redistributed. Some of the drugs may have ended up in Tucson, Morlock said. “We have identified this as being part of a major methamphetamine ring based in Mexico and we, along with the DEA are investigating,” Morlock said. Full article available at www.azstarnet.com. Up to 3.5 tons of pot is seized from truck, business; 4 arrested Arizona Daily Star – 02/09/2007 PIMA COUNTY – Investigators from the Counter Narcotics Alliance seized as much as 7,000 pounds of marijuana south of downtown Thursday morning and arrested four people on drug charges, officials said. Members of the multi-agency Counter Narcotics Alliance raided Bering-Belt & Chain Inc., 430 W. 22nd St., at about 8:30 a.m. and seized an estimated 5,000 pounds of marijuana, said Lt. Kelly J. Lane of the Tucson Police Department. Earlier that day, around 6 a.m., police officers pulled over a black pickup truck with Sonoran license plates because the white Page 45 Byrne Justice Assistance Grant Program FY 2007 Annual Report trailer it was pulling had no lights, Lane said. The truck’s driver and passenger appeared nervous, Lane said. Full article available at Officers said they found a firearm with its safety off and a magazine loaded with 40 rounds, along with marijuana debris on the floor of the truck. Two men arrested in connection with Nogales drug tunnel When the officers searched the trailer, they found between 1,000 and 2,000 pounds of marijuana, Lane said. SANTA CRUZ COUNTY – A 40-foot-long border drug tunnel was discovered in Nogales. Ariz., on Monday morning and two men were arrested when they were caught removing 300 pounds of marijuana from the tunnel, authorities said. The business appeared to be a marijuanadistribution point, and the drugs probably wouldn’t have stayed there long before being moved again, Lane said. Full article available at www.azstarnet.com. Seizures show increase in heroin smuggling The Nogales International – 12/15/2006 SANTA CRUZ COUNTY - Seizures by the Santa Cruz County Metro Task Force have shown an increase in heroin smuggling. Up to the end of October, Lt. Gerardo Castillo, Metro Task Force commander, said the agency had seized approximately 40,000 pounds of marijuana, 78 pounds of methamphetamine, 190 pounds of cocaine and 20 pounds of heroin. The pot, meth and cocaine seizures remained relatively stable compared to the same period last year when the task force seized 37,800 pounds of marijuana, 84 pounds of meth, 199 pounds of coke and two pounds of heroin. Castillo said that the difference in the amount of heroin seized may indicate that demand is increasing, but added that he is unsure it is making a “comeback.” He said the bulk of drugs seized are meant to pass through the area and to be delivered elsewhere “For users in this county, marijuana, I would say, is the drug of choice followed by cocaine.” Arizona Criminal Justice Commission 1110 W. Washington, Suite 230 Phoenix, Arizona 85007 ● (602) 364-1146 www.nogalesinternational.com. Arizona Daily Starr – 01/11/2006 Santa Cruz County Metro Task Force, along with Border Patrol agents, made the discovery around 10 a.m. when they got information that an operational drug tunnel could be found in the 400 block of West International Street, said Santa Cruz County Sheriff Tony Estrada. The tunnel stretched about 40 feet from the border, Estrada said. There were two openings, one in Nogales, Ariz., which came 10 feet past a sidewalk into a driveway near a home, and the other in Nogales, Sonora, he said. Full article available at: www.azstarnet.com. U.S. uncovers crossborder drug tunnel in Arizona Reuters – 06/29/2007 NOGALES, ARIZONA – U.S. authorities have discovered a cramped but sophisticated drug smuggling tunnel linking Nogales, Arizona, with its Mexican sister city, Nogales, Sonora, officials said on Friday. In coordinated raids on Thursday, U.S. drug and customs agents moved in on an Arizona home at one end of the tunnel while Sonora state police arrested five people at an apartment on the other side, said U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in a statement. Page 46 Byrne Justice Assistance Grant Program FY 2007 Annual Report Agents discovered the tunnel’s entrance in the house’s utility room beneath sheets of plywood and weighted down with dirt filled bags. The shaft of the tunnel was reinforced with wood supports and sand bags. It had lighting but no ventilation system. “Because of the (small) size of the passageway, it wouldn’t have been very practical to smuggle people. We think they intended to use it to smuggle narcotics,” said ICE spokeswoman Virginia Kice. The tunnel snakes around for 200 yards, but the distance between the homes was just 100 yards. Police have discovered more than 40 tunnels connecting towns in Mexico and the United States since the September 11, 2001, attacks. Full article available at: www.reuters.com. Tombstone man charged having pre-teens sell cocaine with Associated Press – 2/20/2007 SIERRA VISTA, ARIZONA – A 20-year-old Tombstone man was charged with felony drug charges for providing cocaine mixed with powdered soft-drink mix to two 12-year-old boys. When questioned why he mixed it with soft-drink mix he replied that it was to improve the flavor. One of the boy’s mother found him with the drugs and reported it to the Marshal’s Office, a member of the Cochise County Border Alliance Group Task Force. Full article available at: www.fox11az.com. Arizona Criminal Justice Commission 1110 W. Washington, Suite 230 Phoenix, Arizona 85007 ● (602) 364-1146 Page 47