A seven-month-long heroin trafficking investigation by the Tempe Police resulted in 40 arrests and the seizure of a half-pound of heroin valued at $19,000, police announced Wednesday.
Those arrested include 15 heroin dealers and other affiliates, said Tempe Police spokesman Sgt. Steve Carbajal.
The undercover investigation, called “Dark Carnival,” began with police looking into a series of burglaries, Carbajal said.
“We looked at the suspects that were involved and found out that they were committing these crimes to support their drug habits,” he said.
Those selling and abusing heroin were linked to the series of crimes and many resources were deemed necessary to destroy the root of the problem, said Kim Hale, commander of special investigations bureau.
The investigation involved undercover police officers and police from neighboring cities.
“The investigation became more intrusive, and more resources became necessary due to the fact that heroin dealers and users became more risky in their efforts to avoid arrest,” Hale said.
A common tactic drug users and dealers used was packaging drugs in tiny balloons, which allowed for easy storage in the mouth. This allowed the people to swallow the drug if approached by police.
“Although the abusers felt this means would prevent further legal action, the tactic resulted in medical examination, and search warrants were used to seize the ingested narcotics,” Hale said.
John Rush, assistant chief of operations, said joint efforts of Tempe legal officials have resulted in three successful investigations over the past year.
More than $1.4 million in cash and millions of drugs were seized in the investigation, he said. This included 114 pounds of cocaine, valued at $2.3 million, and 19 ounces of heroin, with a street value of $44,000.
Although the investigation has ended, collaborative efforts and proactive policework is still being put forward to prevent drug-related crime and incidents as the school year begins, Carbajal said.
“There’s going to be people that are away from home for the first time, and they need to be acting as adults,” he said. “It’s the curiosity factor that leads students to make faulty decisions.”
Carbajal explained how the investigation has led to more strict police enforcement on and surrounding the Tempe campus and also stressed the importance of awareness and consciousness.
“We want to get the message out that we are on high alert for this sort of activity and it’s ongoing,” he said. “You might think it’s a small amount or you just want to try it once, but you really have to think about the consequences.”
Reach the reporter at asjohn10@asu.edu
