The State of Arizona 2008 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 2008 Table of Contents Executive Summary .............................................................................................. 1 About the Arizona Criminal Justice Commission ...................................................... 5 Introduction ......................................................................................................... 6 Evaluation Plan..................................................................................................... 7 FY 2008 Program Progress .................................................................................... 8 Multi-Jurisdictional Drug Task Force and Tandem Prosecution Programs .................. 11 Drug Forensic Analysis Programs ........................................................................... 15 Drug Court Adjudication Programs ......................................................................... 17 Gerald Hardt Memorial Criminal Records Improvement Programs............................. 19 Byrne Justice Assistance Grants Under 10K ............................................................ 21 Drug Availability Cocaine ....................................................................................................... 22 Marijuana .................................................................................................... 24 Heroin ......................................................................................................... 27 Other Drugs ................................................................................................. 29 Methamphetamine........................................................................................ 31 Clandestine Laboratories in Arizona........................................................................ 33 State Methamphetamine Initiatives ........................................................................ 34 Substance Use Among Arizona Youth ..................................................................... 37 FY 2008 Byrne/JAG Making a Difference in Arizona ................................................. 39 Ripped from the Headlines ............................................................................ 42 This publication was supported by Award Nos. 2007-DJ-BX-0095 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 2008 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, 2007 and ending June 30, 2008. In FY 2008 (July 1, 2007 to June 30, 2008), the Byrne Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) program funds supported 58 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 support an architecture that allows for statewide information sharing of accurate and timely criminal history records and criminal justice information across 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 and the related violence. Additionally, local and state agencies collaborate to successfully arrest, prosecute, and convict offenders by pooling resources and coordinating efforts. In FY 2008, $13,208,567 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 2008 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 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 2008, $361,481 in federal formula and matching dollars were expended to enhance five projects. One project includes the implementation of a document management and scanning system that reduces redundant manual entry and improves the timeliness and efficiency of criminal information processing for law enforcement. Another project upgraded the case management system used by the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office by developing a law enforcement portal that provides officers with email alerts, automatic notifications, and reminders for case and calendar events. A project for the police department homicide unit provided the ability to both increase security and accessibility to critical information by purchasing additional laptop computers and equipping a total of 17 computer units with biometric secure access. Additional projects underway include an upgrade to ballistic information in conjunction with National Integrated Ballistics Information Network (NIBIN). The final project is a collaborative effort between a rural marshal’s department and county technology to enable seven patrol cars to be equipped with mobile data terminals (MDTs). 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 2008, $599,600 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 2008, $2,327,546 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 eleven of Arizona’s 15 counties and the adult probation departments in Apache, Cochise, Graham, Greenlee, La Paz, Maricopa, Mohave, Pinal, Santa Cruz, Yavapai, and Yuma 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 2008 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 2008 grant funds were directed at high-performing sites. Considering that federal grant dollars have been reduced drastically for the past three years, ACJC anticipates funding projects that demonstrate sustainability, collaboration, meet goals and objectives and build infrastructure for information sharing in Arizona. During FY 2008 ACJC staff conducted 20 on-site monitoring visits and 26 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. ACJC staff also provided more than 18 projects with technical assistance in review of their prior year’s application to ensure alignment with the 2008 – 2011 Drug, Gang, and Violent Crime Control Strategy. These office and/or telephone appointments allowed ACJC staff and the project official the ability to reevaluate the project mission, problem statement, project description, project evaluation, and goals and objectives. As a result of the technical assistance, grantees were able to apply critiques into their applications to better align their project activities with ACJC’s 2008 – 2011 Drug, Gang, and Violent Crime Control Strategy. Additionally, goals and objectives were fleshed out for consistency with the identified problem and project activities presenting a better view of accomplishments. FY 2008: By the Numbers Arizona supported 58 programs and expended $13,208,567 in Byrne/Justice Assistance Grant funds, local matching funds, and state enhancement funds. Direct personnel costs made up 95.39 percent of the expenditures, funding 196 positions statewide. Arizona’s 16 multi-jurisdictional drug task forces arrested 6,629 drug offense violators, of which 57 percent involved marijuana and 15 percent methamphetamine. Arizona’s multi-jurisdictional drug task forces seized 847,665 grams of cocaine, 49,586 grams of heroin, 206,713 grams of methamphetamine, 305,082 pounds of marijuana and 40,253 marijuana plants. Arizona’s tandem prosecution program convicted 25,824 drug, gang and violent crime violators, of which 33 percent involved marijuana, 26 percent drug paraphernalia, and 15 percent methamphetamine. The combined efforts of the multi-jurisdictional drug task forces and tandem prosecution resulted in $23,274,456 in forfeited assets. Arizona’s forensic laboratories received 16,532 drug evidence samples for analysis, with 39,551 tests conducted on samples submitted by criminalists. Arizona Criminal Justice Commission 1110 W. Washington, Suite 230 Phoenix, Arizona 85007 ● (602) 364-1146 Page 3 Byrne Justice Assistance Grant Program FY 2008 Annual Report ACJC staff recently received final data on the 2008 Arizona Youth Survey (AYS) and will present project officials with copies of their county’s data. 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 2008 the AYS was administered in schools representing all 15 counties in Arizona. The 2008 AYS compiled data from 320 schools and 54,734 students in the 8th, 10th and 12th grades. The four substances that had the highest percentages of lifetime and previous 30-day use among those students surveyed are alcohol, cigarettes, marijuana and all prescription drugs combined. The AYS also asked students if they participated in several types of anti-social and delinquent behavior in the past year, including whether they are members of a gang. The antisocial behaviors with the highest rates were being drunk or high at school (16.9 percent), attacking someone with the intention of harming them (16.3), and being suspended from school (16.2 percent). When asked if they are members of a gang, 3.6 percent report that they 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 2008 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 ● Ralph Ogden, Chair: Yuma County Sheriff ● Daniel Hughes, Vice-Chair: Chief, Surprise Police Department ● John Armer: Gila County Sheriff ● 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 ● Terry Goddard: Attorney General ● Robert Huddleston: Chief, Casa Grande Police Department ● Barbara LaWall: Pima County Attorney ● David Sanders: Pima County Chief Probation Officer ● Dora Schriro: Director, Department of Corrections ● Linda Scott: Former Judge ● Daniel G. Sharp: Chief, Oro Valley Police Department ● George Silva: Santa Cruz County Attorney ● Carl Taylor: Coconino County Supervisor ● Andrew P. Thomas: Maricopa County Attorney ● Roger Vanderpool: Director, Department of Public Safety ● Vacant: Mayor Arizona Criminal Justice Commission 1110 W. Washington, Suite 230 Phoenix, Arizona 85007 ● (602) 364-1146 Page 5 Byrne Justice Assistance Grant Program FY 2008 Annual Report Introduction Arizona’s southern border is contiguous with the Republic of Mexico. The favorable yearround 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 2008 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. During FY 2008, ACJC’s Statistical Analysis Center (SAC) and program staff compiled data from quarterly progress reports submitted by the grantee. As a result a comprehensive report, Grantee Progress Report, was developed showing each project’s accomplishments and/or barriers, as well as progress each project has made toward their individual goals and objectives. The tables on the following pages show progress made toward the overall program 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 2008 Annual Report FY 2008 Program Progress Goals Objectives Byrne Justice Assistance Grant 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). 6,629 drug law violator arrests. To dismantle drug trafficking organizations and criminal street gangs through aggressive, efficient enforcement and investigative operations. Increase the number enforcement officers. Funded 61 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) 25,824 drug, drug-related gang and violent crime convictions. Increase the number of prosecutors dedicated to narcotics cases. 39 prosecutors funded. Reduce the economic incentives inherent in drug trafficking by investigation, seizure, and forfeiture of illicit proceeds. Forfeited drug traffickers’ assets valued at $23,274,455. 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. Arizona Criminal Justice Commission 1110 W. Washington, Suite 230 Phoenix, Arizona 85007 ● (602) 364-1146 of narcotics law narcotics agent/investigator Page 8 Byrne Justice Assistance Grant Program FY 2008 Annual Report Goals Objectives Byrne Justice Assistance Grant 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 percent within 180 days of filing. Sufficient progress is being made with 80 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. Four public defenders funded. To provide additional court divisions, judges, and related essential staff for Superior Courts in Arizona. Four judges/commissioners, five pre-sentence writers. Expedite pre-sentence investigations of drug law violators to prevent the delay in sentencing. 2,550 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. 6,825 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 2008 Annual Report Goals Criminal Justice Records projects: Enhance public safety by supporting an architecture of information sharing across the justice enterprise that improved efficiencies for criminal history and criminal justice information. 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. Objectives Byrne Justice Assistance Grant Program Progress Improve the timeliness, completeness and accessibility of Arizona’s criminal history information processes. Upgrade ballistic system (1). Encourage automated exchange of information through information exchange standard such as the Global Justice XML Data Model (GJXDM)/National Information Exchange Model (NIEM). information Biometric security technology (1). Mobile data terminals (1). Document imaging automation (1). non-electronic Utilize technological advancements and leverage resources to share information across jurisdictional boundaries. Case management system upgrade (1). 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. To conduct sophisticated, complex, highly technical investigations and analyses to assist drug violator investigations in a timely manner. To allow law enforcement and prosecutorial agencies access to the laboratory results within a web-based laboratory information management system. Arizona Criminal Justice Commission 1110 W. Washington, Suite 230 Phoenix, Arizona 85007 ● (602) 364-1146 records and data 11 forensic criminalists funded. The state crime laboratory had a 115 percent increase in backlog cases over 35 days old due to an increase in analyses performed on samples submitted in FY 2008. 39,551 tests were conducted on samples submitted to the three laboratory projects. 15 county attorney’s offices have online capabilities. Page 10 Byrne Justice Assistance Grant Program FY 2008 Annual Report Multi-Jurisdictional Drug Task Forces and Tandem Prosecution Programs In FY 2008 (July 1, 2007 to June 30, 2008) multi-jurisdictional drug task forces expended $1,584,614 in federal Byrne Justice Assistance Grant funds (Byrne/JAG), $923,754 in local cash matching funds and $2,177,875 in state enhancement funds, for a total of $4,686,247. These funds supported 16 multi-jurisdictional drug task forces, one in each of Arizona’s 15 counties. Chart 1 Multi-jurisdictional Drug Task Force Program Size FY 2004 - FY 2008 $6,000,000 $5,000,000 $4,924,829 $4,964,795 $4,339,903 $4,349,217 $4,686,247 FY 2004 FY 2005 FY 2006 FY 2007 FY 2008 $4,000,000 $3,000,000 $2,000,000 $1,000,000 $0 Chart 1 provides an overview of funding for the multi-jurisdictional drug task forces from FY 2004 to FY 2008. As noted in the chart, the program size in FY 2006 and FY 2007 were reduced because of the reduction in federal funds available. Graph 1 Multi-jurisdictional Task Force Funding Source FY 2004 - FY 2008 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 FY 2008 Cash Match The line graph, graph 1, shows federal funds were reduced in FY 2006 and FY 2008, the state enhancement funds increased to keep the program function close to prior year funding levels. Arizona Criminal Justice Commission 1110 W. Washington, Suite 230 Phoenix, Arizona 85007 ● (602) 364-1146 Page 11 Byrne Justice Assistance Grant Program FY 2008 Annual Report In FY 2008 (July 1, 2007 to June 30, 2008) Arizona’s tandem drug task force prosecution projects expended $1,769,728 in Byrne Justice Assistance Grant funds, $1,031,665 in local cash matching funds and $2,388,349 in state enhancement funds, for a total of $5,233,693. 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 Tandem Drug Prosecution Program Size FY 2004 - FY 2008 $6,000,000 $5,000,000 $5,127,698 $5,057,487 $5,207,651 $4,588,600 $5,233,693 FY 2004 FY 2005 FY 2006 FY 2007 FY 2008 $4,000,000 $3,000,000 $2,000,000 $1,000,000 $0 Chart 2 provides an overview of the funding for the tandem drug prosecution projects from FY 2004 to FY 2008. The line graph below, graph 2, shows federal funds were reduced in FY 2006 and FY 2008, the state enhancement funds have increased to keep the program functioning close to prior year funding levels. Graph 2 Tandem Drug Prosecution Funding Source FY 2004 - FY 2008 $4,000,000 $3,000,000 $2,000,000 $1,000,000 $0 FY 2004 FY 2005 Federal Byrne/JAG Arizona Criminal Justice Commission 1110 W. Washington, Suite 230 Phoenix, Arizona 85007 ● (602) 364-1146 FY 2006 State Enhancement FY 2007 FY 2008 Cash Match Page 12 Byrne Justice Assistance Grant Program FY 2008 Annual Report 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. 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 trafficking 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 assigns officers to multi-jurisdictional drug task forces. Multijurisdictional drug task force formation has resulted in 15 county sheriffs’ offices and approximately 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 Arizona Criminal Justice Commission 1110 W. Washington, Suite 230 Phoenix, Arizona 85007 ● (602) 364-1146 Page 13 Byrne Justice Assistance Grant Program FY 2008 Annual Report 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. In FY 2008, tandem prosecution projects that also conduct civil asset forfeiture activities were responsible for the successful forfeiture of $23,274,455 in non-drug forfeitures. The success of Arizona’s civil asset forfeiture prosecutions is evident by a 38.7 percent increase in asset forfeitures since FY 2004 as shown in chart 3. Chart 3 Value of Non-Drug Forfeitures $45,000,000 $40,297,456 $40,000,000 $35,000,000 Dollars $30,000,000 $25,000,000 $20,000,000 $23,274,455 $16,780,298 $18,362,187 $19,576,626 FY 2005 FY 2006 $15,000,000 $10,000,000 $5,000,000 $0 FY 2004 FY 2007 FY 2008 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 14 Byrne Justice Assistance Grant Program FY 2008 Annual Report Drug Forensic Analysis Programs In FY 2008 (July 1, 2007 to June 30, 2008) Arizona’s drug forensic analysis projects expended $202,750 in Byrne Justice Assistance Grant funds, $118,193 in local matching funds and $278,657 in state enhancement funds, for a total of $599,600. 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 4 Drug Forensic Analysis Program Size FY 2004 - FY 2008 $700,000 $597,605 $597,639 FY 2004 FY 2005 $600,000 $570,000 $568,370 $599,600 FY 2006 FY 2007 FY 2008 $500,000 $400,000 $300,000 $200,000 $100,000 $0 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 15 Byrne Justice Assistance Grant Program FY 2008 Annual Report These laboratories received 16,532 drug evidence samples for analysis during FY 2008. As shown in Chart 5 sample submissions have increased by 35.8 percent since FY 2004. Laboratory technicians conducted 39,551 tests on samples submitted during FY 2008. Chart 5 Sample Submission Trend FY 2004 - FY 2008 18,000 16,000 14,000 12,000 10,000 8,000 6,000 4,000 2,000 - 16,532 15,759 13,420 14,090 FY 2005 FY 2006 12,173 FY 2004 FY 2007 FY 2008 Drug evidence samples show an increase in the other controlled substances where meth was classified, prior to FY 2007. As shown in FY 2007 forward, meth has represented a large portion of the other controlled substance category. Chart 6 Drug Analysis FY 2004 - FY 2008 20,000 15,000 10,000 5,000 - FY 2004 FY 2005 FY 2006 FY 2007 FY 2008 3,254 2,891 2,733 6,185 6,010 Marijuana 17,614 13,981 13,839 18,117 18,669 Other Controlled Substance 12,887 12,821 13,114 7,079 834 11,128 8,543 Cocaine Methamphetamine Chart 6, above, indicates marijuana accounts for the majority of identifications, which is evident in FY 2008 based on the increase of analyses presented. Arizona Criminal Justice Commission 1110 W. Washington, Suite 230 Phoenix, Arizona 85007 ● (602) 364-1146 Page 16 Byrne Justice Assistance Grant Program FY 2008 Annual Report Drug Court Adjudication Programs In FY 2008 (July 1, 2007 to June 30, 2008) Arizona’s drug court adjudication projects expended $787,040 in Byrne Justice Assistance Grant funds, $458,806 in local matching funds and $1,081,700 in state enhancement funds, for a total of $2,327,546. 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 18 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 7 Drug Court Adjudication Program Size FY 2004 - FY 2008 $3,000,000 $2,734,228 $2,668,422 $2,718,349 2,238,605 $2,327,546 FY 2007 FY 2008 $2,500,000 $2,000,000 $1,500,000 $1,000,000 $500,000 $0 FY 2004 FY 2005 FY 2006 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 resources to court divisions, judges and related essential staff for superior courts of greatest need in Arizona. Objectives also include providing 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 174 judges serving four-year terms sitting in 15 counties. Since 1987 the criminal case activity in Arizona Superior Courts has increased steadily every year. Increased apprehension and prosecution because of the enhanced drug enforcement strategy has impacted the already heavily burdened court system. The 2008 – 2011 Drug, Gang, and Violent Crime Control Strategy was developed as a system-wide enhancement, providing the 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. Arizona Criminal Justice Commission 1110 W. Washington, Suite 230 Phoenix, Arizona 85007 ● (602) 364-1146 Page 17 Byrne Justice Assistance Grant Program FY 2008 Annual Report 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. Chart 8 Number of Cases Da ys to Dispositon for Drug Ca se s FY 2005 - FY 2008 14,000 12,000 10,000 8,000 6,000 4,000 2,000 FY 05 1-90 Days FY 06 91-180 Days FY 07 181-270 Days 271-360 Days FY 08 361 + Days As chart 8 indicates, the majority of the drug cases filed over the past three years were disposed of within 90 days of filing. Additionally, the number of drug cases being adjudicated has increased, but the disposition of the cases within 180 days has remained around 80 percent for the past two years. This indicates that Arizona is keeping up with the increased workload. Probation services for drug offenders are provided by the courts. During FY 2008, program funding provided 57,169 urinalysis tests on offenders on probation. Limited funding paid for 6,825 of the tests shown in chart 9. Chart 9 Drug Te sts Pe rforme d FY 2005 - FY 2008 200,000 150,000 155,849 103,952 80,302 100,000 49,127 53,032 50,344 50,000 5,556 6,825 FY 05 FY 06 Non Grant Funded Arizona Criminal Justice Commission 1110 W. Washington, Suite 230 Phoenix, Arizona 85007 ● (602) 364-1146 FY 07 FY 08 Grant Funded Page 18 Byrne Justice Assistance Grant Program FY 2008 Annual Report Gerald Hardt Memorial Criminal Justice Records Improvement Programs In FY 2008 (July 1, 2007 to June 30, 2008) Arizona’s criminal justice records improvement projects expended $271,111 in Byrne Justice Assistance Grant funds, and $90,370 in local matching funds, for a total $361,481. Chart 10 CJRIP Program Size FY 2004 - FY 2008 $700,000 $600,000 $500,000 $400,000 $300,000 $200,000 $100,000 $0 $660,503 $446,838 $396,320 $361,481 $187,654 FY 2004 FY 2005 FY 2006 FY 2007 FY 2008 The Gerald Hardt Memorial Criminal Justice Records Improvement Program (CJRIP) supported five projects aimed at improving records and information quality. The projects ranged from first-time computer terminals in patrol vehicles to biometric technology for enhanced information security. All projects were required to align with the state’s vision for integrated information exchange. The expanded vision focuses on three areas of information processing and exchange: leveraging the Internet as part of the architecture for justice information exchange; continued development of security policies and practices; and leveraging resources and initiatives toward cost-effective solutions of accurate, complete, and timely exchanges of justice information. Records improvement efforts supported through Byrne Justice Assistance Grant funding included the implementation of a document management and scanning system that reduces redundant manual entry and improves the timeliness and efficiency of criminal information processing for law enforcement. Funding supported a project to upgrade the case management system used in developing a law enforcement portal that provides officers with e-mail alerts, automatic notifications, and reminders for case and calendar events. A police department homicide unit was able to both increase security and accessibility to critical information by purchasing additional laptop computers and equipping 17 computer units with biometric secure access. Additional projects that are underway include an upgrade to ballistic information. The National Integrated Ballistics Information Network (NIBIN) managed by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms utilizes a multi-site network system of ballistic information exchange across jurisdictional boundaries that incorporates imaging technology. A collaborative effort between a rural marshal’s department and county Arizona Criminal Justice Commission 1110 W. Washington, Suite 230 Phoenix, Arizona 85007 ● (602) 364-1146 Page 19 Byrne Justice Assistance Grant Program FY 2008 Annual Report technology will enable seven patrol cars to be equipped with mobile data terminals (MDTs) and is expected to significantly impact the timely and efficient flow of information between officers in the field and their communication center. Historically, Arizona has leveraged great benefit from records improvement funding such as the National Criminal History Improvement Program (NCHIP) and the Criminal Justice Records Improvement Program (CJRIP). Funding was used to support Arizona’s longterm goal of integrated information exchange across jurisdictional boundaries and enhance the timely flow of information as it makes its way through the criminal justice process. Arizona adheres to its objective to develop an integrated secure mechanism of information exchange to support criminal justice business processes. Funding programs have been leveraged to move Arizona forward toward an infrastructure that provides accurate, timely, and complete information in a secure and efficient manner. Arizona Criminal Justice Commission 1110 W. Washington, Suite 230 Phoenix, Arizona 85007 ● (602) 364-1146 Page 20 Byrne Justice Assistance Grant Program FY 2008 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 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 2008 – 2011 Drug, Gang, and Violent Crime Control 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 21 Byrne Justice Assistance Grant Program FY 2008 Annual Report Drug Availability Cocaine Cocaine is readily available throughout Arizona, with the largest quantities available in metropolitan areas. Crack is readily available in Arizona’s inner cities and in some smaller communities. Crack retails for $20/rock (250 milligram to .70 gram). Powder cocaine retails from $100-$140 per 1/8 ounce (8-ball) in the Phoenix and Tucson areas; however, retailers in Yuma are selling for $150-$200 per 1/8 ounce (8-ball). Chart 11 Cocaine Arrests FY 2004 - FY 2008 1,200 895 1,000 800 916 961 FY 2007 FY 2008 656 600 400 283 200 FY 2004 FY 2005 FY 2006 As shown in chart 11, Arizona’s multi-jurisdictional drug task force data shows an increase in cocaine arrests for FY 2008. The Counter Narcotics Alliance Group (CNA) operating in the greater Tucson/Pima County metropolitan area reports that 45 percent of the arrests in FY 2008 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 2008 the Yuma County Narcotics Task Force (YCNTF), Cochise County Border Alliance Group (BAG), and Santa Cruz County METRO Task Force (SCCMTF) operating along Arizona’s border with Mexico are responsible for the majority of the cocaine seizures at 739,708 grams (more than 1,631 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 22 Byrne Justice Assistance Grant Program FY 2008 Annual Report Chart 12 Cocaine Seizures FY 2004 - FY 2008 1,200,000 1,038,888 1,000,000 800,000 Grams 861,692 847,665 FY 2007 FY 2008 683,344 600,000 400,000 200,000 FY 2005 FY 2006 The Apache County Cooperative Enforcement Narcotics Team (ACCENT) 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 42,738 grams, or more than 94 pounds of cocaine. Represented in chart 12, the total cocaine grams seized in FY 2008 is 847,668, which is a slight 2 percent decrease from FY 2007. Chart 13 Cocaine Conv ictions FY 2004 - FY 2008 3,222 3,500 3,000 2,500 2,797 2,814 FY 2006 FY 2007 2,242 2,015 2,000 1,500 1,000 500 FY 2004 FY 2005 FY 2008 Cocaine conviction data, shown in chart 13, depict a three-year trend of increased cocaine offender convictions. The majority of cocaine convictions are being reported by the Maricopa County, 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 23 Byrne Justice Assistance Grant Program FY 2008 Annual Report Marijuana Marijuana remains readily available and is considered the most widely used illegal drug throughout the state. Mexican produced marijuana retails from $60-$150 per ounce at various locations throughout Arizona with the highest prices close to the Port of Entry along the Mexican border, see below: Low Retail Price Per Ounce High Retail Price Per Ounce Phoenix $65 $100 Tucson $60 $140 Yuma $100 $140 Sierra Vista/Nogales $75 $150 Arizona shows an overall increase in marijuana arrests for FY 2008 as shown in chart 14. 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 73-86 percent of their overall arrests. These task forces operating along the border are the first line of defense in marijuana drug trafficking operations. Chart 14 M arijuana Arre sts FY 2004 - FY 2008 5,000 3,851 4,000 3,000 2,000 1,496 1,538 1,673 FY 2004 FY 2005 FY 2006 2,456 1,000 FY 2007 FY 2008 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, a known drug trafficking route. Seventy-seven percent of their arrests were for marijuana related offenses. Followed by Maricopa County Neighborhood Narcotics Enforcement Team (MCNNET) which made 71 percent of their arrests just north on the I-10 corridor in Maricopa County. Arizona Criminal Justice Commission 1110 W. Washington, Suite 230 Phoenix, Arizona 85007 ● (602) 364-1146 Page 24 Byrne Justice Assistance Grant Program FY 2008 Annual Report 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. Chart 15 M arijuana Se izure s FY 2004 - FY 2007 350,000 300,000 Pounds 250,000 221,205 250,530 FY 2004 FY 2005 276,906 305,082 FY 2007 FY 2008 252,007 200,000 150,000 100,000 50,000 FY 2006 In FY 2008 the multi-jurisdictional task forces seized 305,082 pounds of marijuana as shown in chart 15. 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 140,599 pounds of marijuana. Chart 16 Marijuana Plant Seizures FY 2004 - FY 2008 140,000 114,783 120,000 Plants 100,000 83,656 80,000 60,000 40,253 40,000 20,000 20,527 13,728 FY 2004 FY 2005 FY 2006 FY 2007 FY 2008 Arizona experienced a significant decline in home grown marijuana plants seized in FY 2008 because of difficult growing conditions this past year as shown in chart 16. The Gila County Narcotics Task Force operating along the Mogollon Rim is concentrating on marijuana discovery and eradication activities from April to September each year. They Arizona Criminal Justice Commission 1110 W. Washington, Suite 230 Phoenix, Arizona 85007 ● (602) 364-1146 Page 25 Byrne Justice Assistance Grant Program FY 2008 Annual Report have few arrests doing these activities as those who tend the marijuana groves quickly disappear into the forest when discovered. Just like marijuana arrests, convictions depict an increase over the previous year as shown in chart 17. The majority of the marijuana convictions being reported are 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, Mesa, Scottsdale, and Glendale. Chart 17 M arijuana Conv ictions FY 2004 - FY 2008 8,518 9,000 7,222 8,000 7,000 7,017 6,371 6,101 6,000 5,000 4,000 3,000 2,000 1,000 FY 2004 FY 2005 Arizona Criminal Justice Commission 1110 W. Washington, Suite 230 Phoenix, Arizona 85007 ● (602) 364-1146 FY 2006 FY 2007 FY 2008 Page 26 Byrne Justice Assistance Grant Program FY 2008 Annual Report Heroin Mexican black tar heroin is the predominant type of heroin found in Arizona. Heroin retails for price of $80-$100 per gram in the Tucson market and as low as $50 in the Sierra Vista/Nogales areas. Retailers in the Phoenix and Yuma markets average $80 per gram. Recent law enforcement information indicates Mexican black tar heroin is selling at a rate of $28,000 to $32,000 per kilo, while white heroin has a going rate of $50,000 to $56,000 per kilo. Chart 18 Heroin Arrests FY 2004 - FY 2008 200 176 150 100 66 74 62 FY 2005 FY 2006 FY 2007 41 50 0 FY 2004 FY 2008 Arizona is concerned over the increase in heroin arrests for FY 2008 as shown in chart 18. The Counter Narcotics Alliance (CNA), Northern Arizona Street Crimes Task Force (METRO), and Navajo County Major Crimes Apprehension Team (MCAT) reported the largest percentages of arrest for this drug type at 7, 6, and 5 percent (respectively) of their overall arrests. Chart 19 He roin Se izure s FY 2004 - FY 2008 60,000 55,547 49,586 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 Arizona Criminal Justice Commission 1110 W. Washington, Suite 230 Phoenix, Arizona 85007 ● (602) 364-1146 FY 2008 Page 27 Byrne Justice Assistance Grant Program FY 2008 Annual Report In FY 2008, a dramatic spike in heroin seizures totaled 49,586 grams as shown in chart 19 located on the previous page. The Yuma County Narcotics Task Force (YCNTF) operating along the southwestern U.S.-Mexico border area in Arizona was responsible for the majority of the heroin seized at 28,532 grams. In the northeastern region of Arizona, Navajo County Major Crimes Apprehension Team (MCAT) reported the seizure of 9,532 grams. The majority of heroin that is seized remains along Arizona’s southwestern U.S.-Mexico border, which is the primary point of entry. In general heroin in small amounts have been seized in Arizona over the past three years. In light of the recent increase in seizures and arrests, it is clearly evident heroin smugglers are using Arizona as their transshipping corridor to other U.S. locations. Multi-jurisdictional drug task force data shows a significant increase in heroin arrests for FY 2008; however, the increase in convictions noted in chart 20 only presents a minimal increase from the prior years, with the majority of the heroin convictions being reported from Maricopa County. 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 20 Heroin Convictions FY 2004 - FY 2008 350 300 250 200 193 198 FY 2004 FY 2005 277 277 296 FY 2006 FY 2007 FY 2008 150 100 50 0 Arizona Criminal Justice Commission 1110 W. Washington, Suite 230 Phoenix, Arizona 85007 ● (602) 364-1146 Page 28 Byrne Justice Assistance Grant Program FY 2008 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. These prescription drugs average $5 per tablet throughout the state with the exception of OxyContin®, which retails significantly higher at $20-$25 per 40 mg tablet and $20-$80 per 80 mg tablet. MDMA or ecstasy retails for $20-$30/tablet. Chart 21 Other Drug Arrests FY 2004 - FY 2008 700 600 500 400 300 653 526 607 493 398 200 100 0 FY 2004 FY 2005 FY 2006 FY 2007 FY 2008 Arizona shows an increase in Other Drug Arrests in FY 2008 as shown in chart 21. Phoenix Police Department’s Commercial Interdiction Unit operating out of the Sky Harbor International Airport reported the highest percent of other drug arrests at an astounding 66.67 percent. In northern Arizona, Coconino County’s Northern Arizona Street Crimes Task Force (Metro), whose jurisdiction covers part of the east-west I-40 corridor, reported 24.51 percent of their total drug arrests were for other drugs. In the northeastern Arizona – Nevada border, Mohave Area General Narcotics Enforcement Team (MAGNET) report 17.54 percent of their drug arrests were for other drugs. Just to the south and west, Yavapai County’s Partner’s Against Narcotic’s Trafficking (PANT) reported 15.81 percent of their arrests are from other drugs. In FY 2008, a total of 145,089 dosage units were seized by multi-jurisdictional task forces. Of those dosage units seized, Counter Narcotics Alliance (CNA) confiscated nearly half of the total at 56,695 dosage units. Mohave Area General Narcotics Enforcement Team (MAGNET) and Northern Arizona Street Crimes Task Force (Metro) followed with 37,276 and 38,463 dosage units. The balance of seizures came from Arizona’s rural narcotics task forces as shown in chart 22, on the following page. Arizona Criminal Justice Commission 1110 W. Washington, Suite 230 Phoenix, Arizona 85007 ● (602) 364-1146 Page 29 Byrne Justice Assistance Grant Program FY 2008 Annual Report Chart 22 Othe r Drug Se izure s FY 2004 - FY 2008 1,117,686 1,200,000 Dosage Units 1,000,000 800,000 614,519 600,000 400,000 200,000 409,420 180,271 145,089 FY 2004 FY 2005 FY 2006 FY 2007 FY 2008 The 2006 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. These are prescription (Rx) pain medication, prescription stimulants and tranquilizers, and over the counter cough medication. ACJC’S 2008 Arizona Youth Survey (AYS) indicated that illicit use of prescription drugs ranked fourth behind alcohol, cigarettes, and marijuana use among Arizona’s 8th, 10th, and 12th graders. New in the 2008 AYS was the inclusion of over-the-counter drugs with 11.5 percent of youth reported use in their lifetime and 5.9 percent reported use in the past 30-days. Arizona Criminal Justice Commission 1110 W. Washington, Suite 230 Phoenix, Arizona 85007 ● (602) 364-1146 Page 30 Byrne Justice Assistance Grant Program FY 2008 Annual Report Methamphetamine Mexican-produced methamphetamine is the predominant form found in Arizona. Mexican Ice methamphetamine retails for $80-$100 per gram in Phoenix, and slightly lower in Tucson at $60-$90 per gram, with Yuma at $90 per gram. Recent reports indicate that the price for methamphetamine increased to $18,000 to $19,000 per kilo. Mexico’s recent restriction on importing precursor chemicals and the fighting among the Mexican cartels is believed to be the reasons for the spike in methamphetamine prices and supplies. In addition, Mexico’s legislative changes and the collaborative efforts in several successful law enforcement interdictions, seizures, and arrests have also made an impact on the quantities of methamphetamine trafficking through Arizona. Arizona multi-jurisdictional drug task force data shows a decrease in meth arrests for FY 2008 as shown in chart 23. Chart 23 Methamphetamine Arrests FY 2004 - FY 2008 1,600 1,400 1,200 1,000 800 600 400 200 - 1,366 1,260 1,184 1,011 FY 2004 988 FY 2005 FY 2006 FY 2007 FY 2008 The La Paz County Narcotics Task Force (LPCNTF) and Mohave Area Narcotics Enforcement Team (MAGNET) along the Nevada and California borders reported the largest percent of methamphetamine arrests at 60 and 46 percent respectively. In addition, the Southeastern Arizona Drug, Gang, and Violent Crimes Task Force in Graham County reports that 65.22 percent of their arrests were methamphetaminerelated. Methamphetamine seizures have increased slightly from FY 2007 190,776 grams (421 pounds) to 206,713 grams (456 pounds) in FY 2008, as shown in chart 24 on the following page. Of the total amount seized, the Yuma County Narcotics Task Force (YCNTF) seized 122,782 grams of meth (271 pounds) in their interdiction efforts at the Arizona-Mexican boarder. Pinal County Multi-Jurisdictional Narcotics Task Force (PCNTF) seized 32,960 grams of meth (73 pounds) through interdiction efforts with the county and along the I-8 and I-10 transitory roadways. Arizona Criminal Justice Commission 1110 W. Washington, Suite 230 Phoenix, Arizona 85007 ● (602) 364-1146 Page 31 Byrne Justice Assistance Grant Program FY 2008 Annual Report Chart 24 Methamphetamine Seizures FY 2004 - FY 2008 317,516 350,000 261,796 300,000 Grams 250,000 206,231 200,000 190,776 206,713 FY 2007 FY 2008 150,000 100,000 50,000 FY 2004 FY 2005 FY 2006 Convictions for methamphetamine show a steady decline from FY 2006 as shown in chart 25, which is consistent with multi-jurisdiction arrest data. The majority of the methamphetamine convictions are being reported from Maricopa County. 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 25 M e thamphe tamine Conv ictions FY 2004 - FY 2008 6,000 5,091 4,565 5,000 4,000 3,293 3,404 FY 2004 FY 2005 3,950 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 FY 2008 Page 32 Byrne Justice Assistance Grant Program FY 2008 Annual Report Clandestine Laboratories in Arizona Clandestine methamphetamine labs can be assembled almost anywhere and are frequently found in residences, cars, apartments, motel rooms, and camping sites. Chart 26 Clande stine Laboratory Se ize d FY 2004 - FY 2008 45 40 35 30 25 20 15 10 5 38 40 20 16 8 FY 2004 FY 2005 FY 2006 FY 2007 FY 2008 Arizona multi-jurisdictional drug task force data shows a decline in clandestine laboratories seized in Arizona as noted in chart 26. Factors contributing to this decline may include new city ordinances that require retailers to place pseudoephedrine 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 pseudoephedrine 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 2008, eight methamphetamine labs were seized by multi-jurisdictional drug task forces operating in Arizona. None of these labs involved minor children. Arizona Criminal Justice Commission 1110 W. Washington, Suite 230 Phoenix, Arizona 85007 ● (602) 364-1146 Page 33 Byrne Justice Assistance Grant Program FY 2008 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 non-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://gocyf.az.gov/SAP/documents/050407_MethFullReport.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 34 Byrne Justice Assistance Grant Program FY 2008 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. In August, 2008 the Task Force released their first year progress report, Arizona Methamphetamine Task Force Progress Report: August 2008. http://gocyf.az.gov/SAP/documents/MTF/2008MTFProgressReport.pdf 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 that 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) Arizona Criminal Justice Commission 1110 W. Washington, Suite 230 Phoenix, Arizona 85007 ● (602) 364-1146 Page 35 Byrne Justice Assistance Grant Program FY 2008 Annual Report 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 because of 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 36 Byrne Justice Assistance Grant Program FY 2008 Annual Report Substance Use Among Arizona Youth The Arizona Criminal Justice Commission (ACJC) with support from the Governor’s Office, 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 2008. The study is legislatively mandated to measure attitudes, prevalence, and frequency of substance abuse among children in the state. The 2008 Arizona Youth Survey (AYS) was administered in schools representing all 15 counties in Arizona. The 2008 AYS consisted of data from 320 schools and 54,734 students. Alcohol continues to be the most used substance among youth in Arizona across all grades, with 47.8 percent of 8th graders, 66.2 percent of 10th graders, and 74.8 percent of 12th graders reporting having drank alcohol at least once in their lifetime. For substance use in the 30 days prior to taking the survey, alcohol was also the most widely used, with 23.2 percent of 8th graders, 37.7 percent of 10th graders, and 46.8 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, cigarettes, marijuana, and all prescription drugs combined. 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. Table 1: Percentage of Students Who Have Used Drugs in Their Lifetime 8th 10th 12th Grade Grade Grade Total 47.8 66.2 74.8 59.6 Alcohol 25.9 39.9 50.8 36 Cigarettes 7.1 12.9 17.7 11.3 Chewing Tobacco 16.2 32.5 43.1 27.4 Marijuana 1.9 5.2 7.9 4.3 Hallucinogens 2.7 6.8 11.2 5.9 Cocaine 14.3 12.6 9.2 12.6 Inhalants 1.2 2.4 4 2.2 Methamphetamines 1 2 3.1 1.8 Heroin 2.2 4.9 7 4.2 Ecstasy 1.7 2.3 2.4 2 Steroids 12.2 20.5 24.6 17.6 Prescription Pain Relievers 3.8 7.6 7.9 5.9 Prescription Stimulants 8.3 12 13.2 10.5 Prescription Sedatives 17.1 25.7 28.7 22.4 Prescription Drugs 9.7 12.9 13.4 11.5 Over-the-Counter Drugs Arizona Criminal Justice Commission 1110 W. Washington, Suite 230 Phoenix, Arizona 85007 ● (602) 364-1146 Page 37 Byrne Justice Assistance Grant Program FY 2008 Annual Report Table 2: Percentage of Students Who Have Used Drugs in the Past 30-Days 8th 10th 12th Grade Grade Grade Total 23.2 37.7 46.8 33.1 Alcohol 8.7 16.6 23.9 14.7 Cigarettes 2.6 4.6 6.8 4.2 Chewing Tobacco 7.6 15.1 18.7 12.5 Marijuana 0.8 1.9 2.4 1.5 Hallucinogens 1 2.2 3.2 1.9 Cocaine 5.4 3 1.6 3.8 Inhalants 0.4 0.6 0.8 0.6 Methamphetamines 0.4 0.7 1 0.6 Heroin 0.8 1.5 2 1.3 Ecstasy 0.7 1 1 0.8 Steroids 6 9.4 10.5 8.1 Prescription Pain Relievers 1.6 2.9 2.1 2.1 Prescription Stimulants 3.4 4.5 5 4.1 Prescription Sedatives 8.6 12.2 13.1 10.7 Prescription Drugs 5.6 6.4 5.9 5.9 Over-the-Counter Drugs Arizona Criminal Justice Commission 1110 W. Washington, Suite 230 Phoenix, Arizona 85007 ● (602) 364-1146 Page 38 Byrne Justice Assistance Grant Program FY 2008 Annual Report FY 2008 Byrne/JAG Making a Difference in Arizona Collaboration: A Key to Success The key to a successful project is collaboration. Multi-jurisdictional, multiagency task forces funded in part by the ACJC embrace this philosophy and demonstrate this through their continued work in collaborative efforts. Mohave Area General Narcotics Enforcement Team (MAGNET) has been highly successful in its collaborative efforts. MAGNET has been receiving monies through the Arizona Criminal Justice Commission since the program inception in April 1988. MAGNET’s mission is: “To reduce illicit drug activity in Mohave County, thereby reducing its impact on other areas of the country. This will be accomplished by targeting major traffickers, distribution organizations and manufacturers…producers that operate in Mohave County and whose activities impact the community and the entire country. We will continue to support other law enforcement agencies across the country by providing intelligence information and logistical support.” MAGNET has met criteria of the Arizona Criminal Justice Commission’s Drug, Gang, and Violent Crime Control program by initiating agreements with agencies at all jurisdictional levels including local, county, state and federal law enforcement agencies. MAGNET’s participating agencies consist of the host agency Kingman Police Department, Mohave County Sheriff’s Office, Arizona Department of Public Safety, Bullhead City Police Department, Lake Havasu City Police Department, U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Mohave County Attorney's Office, and the Arizona National Guard. Arizona Criminal Justice Commission 1110 W. Washington, Suite 230 Phoenix, Arizona 85007 ● (602) 364-1146 However, MAGNET has gone a step further in soliciting additional assistance and resources from other agencies in and out of the law enforcement realm including interstate collaboration. Through this effort MAGNET has had the ability to work cases internationally. These agencies are listed on page 41. Highlighting a collaborative effort in their grant applications, MAGNET referenced a case that developed in 2005 involving “…an extremely complex high level narcotics trafficking case…” These drug smugglers were using I-40 as their primary passthrough route, which was negatively affecting Mohave County communities, also further impacting the rest of the country. MAGNET swiftly realized the need for resources beyond what it had at its disposal. MAGNET contacted and requested assistance from the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) to kick off an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDEFT) case, “Round Trip Tour." Unknown to MAGNET a second case would be opened through facts and contacts obtained through the investigation and prosecution of the suspects from the “Round Trip Tour” case. MAGNET’s collaborative efforts include Nassau County Sheriff’s Department, New York City Police Department, US Drug Enforcement Administration, Raleigh Durham Police Department and Sheriff’s Department, Chicago Police Department, Miami Dade Sheriff’s Department, Indiana State Police, and the Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco and Firearms (ATF). MAGNET assisted in conducting several controlled deliveries with the destination point in New Jersey. The task force’s shared key investigative information as each controlled delivery reached its destination. Page 39 Byrne Justice Assistance Grant Program FY 2008 Annual Report The defendants in this “Round Trip Tour” case have been indicted and the prosecution phase is currently underway with the U.S. Attorney’s Office. The “Round Trip Tour” case led to the second Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDEFT) case “Second Time Around.” An informant provided reliable information leading to the discovery of a major international drug trafficking operation involving cocaine and methamphetamine. MAGNET again continued investigative and highway interdiction efforts along the I-40 corridor with the assistance of the Arizona Department of Public Safety, Scottsdale Police Department, California’s Orange County Regional Narcotics Suppression Program, and the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). Through these two collaboratively worked cases, agents have seized over 500 kilos each of cocaine and methamphetamine. MAGNET was granted $181,147 from Arizona’s High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) program for personnel costs of a sergeant, a vehicle lease, and minor equipment. Additional funding sources have included monies from Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDEFT) to reimburse investigative and operational expenses incurred from those cases. With the experience gained from these two cases MAGNET has been able to commence an investigation called Operation “Picture Perfect,” a methamphetamine drug trafficking organization case in June 2007. According to the press release issued jointly with the Arizona Department of Public Safety (DPS) on April 9, 2008 in its efforts to dismantle the drug trafficking organization (DTO), MAGNET executed 17 arrest and search warrants for identified “upper-level suspects.” With the assistance of Kingman Police Department, the Arizona Department of Public Safety, Mohave County Sheriff’s Office, Bullhead City Police Department, Arizona Criminal Justice Commission 1110 W. Washington, Suite 230 Phoenix, Arizona 85007 ● (602) 364-1146 Lake Havasu City Police Department, and the Mohave County Attorney’s Office were successful. MAGNET further collaborated investigative and surveillance activities with the Arizona State Gang Task Force’s Gang & Immigration Intelligence Team Enforcement Mission (GIITEM), and the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). The Financial Investigation Resource Group (FIRG), provided by the Arizona Department of Public Safety, sponsored the Title III (Wiretap) Electronic Surveillance activities. Based on the information obtained throughout the investigation, the organization was based out of a Kingman residence in a newer subdivision where approximately 520 pounds of methamphetamine a year was being distributed into the Kingman area. Methamphetamine purchases generated more than $18 million in a year. Kingman Police Department Captain Scott Wright, MAGNET’s Commander, commented to the Arizona Daily Miner, the average “hit” was a ¼ of a gram. In calculation, he further stated the total “hits” were approximately 900,000. Seizures this case provided by MAGNET were: • 448 grams of methamphetamine • $42,660 in cash • 43 weapons • 20 vehicles • 2 Sea Doos • 4 Quads • 10 motorcycles • 1 Dune Buggy • 15 Big Screens/Flat Screen TV • 28 Computers • 7 Surveillance Camera Systems Other smaller miscellaneous items were seized but not individually listed. Charges have been filed and prosecution activities are currently underway with Page 40 Byrne Justice Assistance Grant Program FY 2008 Annual Report Mohave County Attorney’s Office Arizona Attorney General’s Office. and Articles with additional information, pictures and video on Operation “Picture Perfect” are available able the following links: Agencies round up suspected Kingman drug dealers http://kingmandailyminer.com/main.asp?Sea rch=1&ArticleID=14958&SectionID=1&SubS ectionID=1&S=1 Video: Police take down major meth operation http://kingmandailyminer.com/main.asp?Sea rch=1&ArticleID=14959&SectionID=100&Su bSectionID=159&S=1 Operation Picture Perfect picks up one more, two still at large http://kingmandailyminer.com/main.asp?Sea rch=1&ArticleID=15005&SectionID=1&SubS ectionID=1&S=1 Meth ring suspect surrenders http://kingmandailyminer.com/main.asp?Sea rch=1&ArticleID=15046&SectionID=1&SubS ectionID=1&S=1 Police update charges from recent meth bust http://www.kingmandailyminer.com/main.as p?SectionID=1&subsectionID=1&articleID= 15188 Thousands of pages of evidence given to defense attorneys in meth bust cases http://kingmandailyminer.com/main.asp?Sea rch=1&ArticleID=15928&SectionID=1&SubS ectionID=1&S=1 Police nab suspect in meth case http://kingmandailyminer.com/main.asp?Sea rch=1&ArticleID=16308&SectionID=1&SubS ectionID=1&S=1 Meth cases continued http://kingmandailyminer.com/main.asp?Sea rch=1&ArticleID=16528&SectionID=1&SubS ectionID=1&S=1 Additional Collaborating Agencies: Financial Investigation Resource Group, Kingman Area Chapter of the Arizona Meth Community Coalition, State of Arizona Attorney General's Office, Mohave County Probation Department, Arizona Child Protective Services, Arizona State Parole Office, Fort Mohave Tribal Police, Hualapai Police Department, Bureau of Indian Affairs, Federal Bureau of Investigation, U.S. Postal Service, U.S. Secret Service, Gang & Immigration Intelligence Team Enforcement Mission, High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area, Nevada Department of Investigation, Nevada Department of Public Safety, St. George Police Department, Fredonia Marshal’s Office, Mesquite Police Department, Washington County Utah Sheriff’s Department, Las Vegas Metro Police Department, Nassau County Sheriff’s Department, New York City Police Department, U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, Raleigh Durham Police Department and Sheriff’s Department, Chicago Police Department, Miami Dade Sheriff’s Department, Indiana State Police, and the Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco and Firearms. This successful project are possible because of federal funding that has been provided under the Byrne/Justice Assistance Grants Program Award No. 2007-DJ-BX 0095. Arizona Criminal Justice Commission 1110 W. Washington, Suite 230 Phoenix, Arizona 85007 ● (602) 364-1146 Page 41 Byrne Justice Assistance Grant Program FY 2008 Annual Report Ripped from the Headlines Pinal County Deputies Make $70K Drug Bust on I-10 actively investigated heroin cases. One traffic stop alone yielded 4.25 pounds of heroin. At approximately 8:20 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 18, K-9 Deputy Benjamin Parry and PCSO Posse member Clell Reed conducted a routine traffic stop along Interstate 10 westbound, between mileposts 215 and 216, in Pinal County. Click on the link for the full story: http://www.dcourier.com/main.asp?SectionI D=1&subsectionID=1&articleID=50366 The vehicle was occupied solely by the driver, 33-year-old Eduardo Garcia Bello from Nogales, Arizona. During the course of the traffic stop, Deputy Parry searched the vehicle with Grace, who gave a positive alert to the presence of illegal drugs in the vehicle. Deputy Parry located 7.75 pounds of cocaine and $7,900 cash. Pounds of pot, mushrooms, narcotics seized in Flagstaff bust 07:08 PM Mountain Standard Time on Friday, February 22, 2008 Flagstaff Police Dept. / azfamily.com 3TV PHOTOS: Grow-lab photos, pot plants FLAGSTAFF -- The following is a press release from the Flagstaff Police Dept.: Click on the link for the full story: http://www.santanchamber.com/index.php? option=com_content&task=view&id=159&It emid=253 Agencies continue to tackle heroin issue Between February and October 2007, four people - two in Prescott, one in Prescott Valley and one in Castle Canyon Mesa - died while abusing heroin, according to Sgt. Bill Fessler, with Partners Against Narcotics Trafficking. "There are a lot of rumors out on the street about these deaths," said Sgt. G. R. Manera, Arizona Department of Public Safety Criminal Investigations Division. "We want to clear up those rumors." For almost a year, two detectives have Arizona Criminal Justice Commission 1110 W. Washington, Suite 230 Phoenix, Arizona 85007 ● (602) 364-1146 Flagstaff Police Dept. The Northern Arizona Street Crimes Task Force (METRO) served two search warrants today following an investigation into marijuana cultivation operations. The task force is comprised of Flagstaff Police Department officers, DPS officers and Sheriff’s Dept. Deputies. Drug Enforcement Administration agents, DEA, assisted during Page 42 Byrne Justice Assistance Grant Program FY 2008 Annual Report the investigation and the service of warrants. Prison drug delivery scheme involving a Tucson woman. At about 07:00 AM agents from the team served warrants on two separate residences. The first being in Mountainaire at the 300 block of Commanche and the second one in Parks off of Government Prairie Road. The unit discovered advanced marijuana growing operations… According to a Task Force report, the Narcotics Task Force in cooperation with Department of Corrections Officers at the Safford Prison, learned that a girlfriend of one of the inmates was coming from Tucson to deliver 5 grams of heroin and 5.5 grams of cocaine, to an inmate. Click on the link for the full story: http://www.azfamily.com/yahoo_rss/stories/ flagstaff_local_news_022208_potbust.1af6e80a.html Click on the link for the full story: http://www.eaznet.com/~kato/ Metro Task Force makes a major marijuana haul Tucson authorities find 4,000 pounds of marijuana On Tuesday night, 5,000 pounds of pot was discovered at a ranch in Santa Cruz County. It's the largest seizure this year for the Santa Cruz County Metro Task Force. Sheriff Tony Estrada says the ranch is located off Patagonia highway, in Nogales about 10 miles northeast of the port of entry. The task force arrested two people including the owner of the property. Detectives said the marijuana has a street value of about $2 million. They also confiscated horse trailers, ATVs, semi-trailers, weapons, ballistic vests and cash. Two men were arrested after Counter Narcotics Alliance officers discovered Officers say the value of the marijuana in Tucson is $2.5 million. Had the load made it to the east coast it would sell for $11.5 million. The marijuana was seized from a vehicle during a traffic stop and from a home. 4,000 pounds of marijuana worth about $2 million in Tucson. Click on the link for the full story: http://www.kvoa.com/Global/story.asp?S=6 627706&nav=HMO6HMaY\ According to The Arizona Daily Star, detectives received a tip Tuesday afternoon about a suspicious vehicle. Task Force Foils Prison Drug Delivery Click on the link for the full story: http://www.abc15.com/news/local/story.asp x?content_id=ccb9a158-3062-4fa5-a7e5765d19634b28&rss=704 The Southeastern Arizona Narcotics Task Force were able to foil a Safford Arizona Criminal Justice Commission 1110 W. Washington, Suite 230 Phoenix, Arizona 85007 ● (602) 364-1146 Page 43 Byrne Justice Assistance Grant Program FY 2008 Annual Report Task Force Operation Conduced in Greenlee County This Past Week The Greenlee County Sheriff's Office conducted a multi-agency Drug and Traffic Task Force operation from August 23, through August 26, with very positive results. Click on the link for the full story: http://www.bensonnewssun.com/articles/2008/02/12/news/news6.txt Belize woman with over $300,000 in suitcase at AZ-CA border According to Greenlee County Sheriff, Steve Tucker, officers and deputies from the Greenlee County Narcotics Task Force, made up of officers from Clifton Police, DPS, and the Greenlee County Attorney's Office, along with deputies from the Maricopa County Sheriff's Office, officers from DPS, and the Phoenix Police Department, conducted a narcotics and traffic operation in Clifton and Morenci. The goal of the operation, consisting of over 40 law enforcement officers, was to locate and arrest drug offenders and stop traffic offenders, including speeders, aggressive drivers, DUIs, unlicensed drivers, and others. Click on the link for the full story: http://www.mysouthernaz.com/August07arc hive.htm Community input leads to drug arrest Deputies from the Cochise County Sheriff's Office, along with members of the Border Alliance Group task force, executed a search warrant at a residence on Lark Road in Mescal last Friday. Forty-one-year-old Brenda Sue Stapleton was arrested on one count of possession of drug paraphernalia and one count of child abuse/ endangerment. Department of Public Safety officers made a large cash find after making a traffic stop in Southern Arizona Sunday. According to a DPS report, an officer stopped a 2008 Ford Mustang with its tail lights out on Interstate 10 near the ArizonaCalifornia border. The officer noticed a strong smell of marijuana, then conducted a search of the vehicle. The search led to the discovery of a suitcase full of U.S. currency--$319,065.68. Click on the link for the full story: http://www.abc15.com/news/local/story.asp x?content_id=faaa9aac-0a43-4411-87f9cf41852e4fa3 Stapleton was booked into the county jail, where she was held until posting a $15,000 bond on Monday. According to authorities, some items seized from the house have been sent to the crime lab for analysis. Arizona Criminal Justice Commission 1110 W. Washington, Suite 230 Phoenix, Arizona 85007 ● (602) 364-1146 Page 44