title: “Arizona trafficking crackdown leads to 2,900 arrests, 10K pounds of drugs seized” url: “https://www.kold.com/2026/10/28/arizona-trafficking-crackdown-leads-2900-arrests-10k-pounds-drugs-seized/” author: “Ryan McCoy”

PHOENIX (AZFamily) — Operation Desert Guardian, Arizona’s first statewide unified command targeting drug, human and weapons trafficking, has led to more than 2,900 arrests, nearly 10,000 pounds of illegal drugs seized and 127 firearms confiscated in its first year, the Arizona Department of Public Safety said.

DPS highlighted the results in a new eight-minute video detailing work from December 2025 through September 2026.

The operation was established by Gov. Katie Hobbs in March 2025 to unite tribal, local, state and federal agencies to dismantle criminal networks operating in Arizona.

DPS says those organizations are responsible for smuggling fentanyl and other illicit drugs, human trafficking and exploitation, weapons smuggling and coordinating violent criminal activity.

“Operation Desert Guardian demonstrates what is possible when agencies work together with a shared mission and commitment to public safety,” DPS Director Jeffrey Glover said in a statement.

DPS says the effort brings together 15 state and local law enforcement agencies. Officials stress it doesn’t replace local law enforcement, but connects them.

Copyright 2026 KTVK/KPHO. All rights reserved.