19 people indicted in southern Arizona drug trafficking ring

A state grand jury has indicted 19 people for allegedly operating a drug trafficking organization in southern Arizona.

A more-than-year-long joint investigation between the Arizona Attorney General’s Office and the Drug Enforcement Administration culminated this month. Special operations from more than seven law enforcement agencies carried out multiple search warrants in Pima and Cochise counties on Jan. 9.

Authorities say the indictments have 169 counts with charges that include RICO offenses for illegally conducting an enterprise and money laundering.

There also are drug-related charges involving sales of methamphetamine, heroin, cocaine, fentanyl, Oxycodone and marijuana; misconduct involving weapons and tampering with physical evidence; and incidental charges for conspiracy and using wire communications in drug-related transactions.