A routine traffic stop over the weekend led Buckeye police to seize 8,000 fentanyl pills and arrest four individuals, authorities said.
An officer pulled over an SUV on Saturday afternoon near Verrado Way and Yuma Road for several traffic violations. During the stop, police determined the driver had a suspended license, and multiple passengers were found to have outstanding warrants, according to a statement from the Buckeye Police Department.
A search of the vehicle uncovered approximately 8,000 M-30 fentanyl pills, which police say are a highly potent synthetic opioid.
All four occupants of the vehicle were taken into custody. Their identities and the specific charges they face have not been released. Police said the investigation remains ongoing.
The arrest and seizure highlight Arizona’s ongoing struggle with an opioid crisis that has claimed thousands of lives in recent years. According to the Arizona Department of Health Services, there were 1,927 opioid overdose deaths in the state in 2022, with fentanyl being the most commonly implicated drug.
Law enforcement agencies across Arizona have reported an increase in fentanyl trafficking, particularly along major transportation routes, which serve as key corridors for smuggling operations. Authorities continue to urge the public to report suspicious activity as they work to combat the state’s growing opioid crisis.
If you or someone you know is struggling with substance use, resources are available to help:
- Arizona Opioid Assistance and Referral Line (OAR Line): Call 1-888-688-4222 for confidential support and guidance 24/7.
- Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA): Call the National Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357) for free, confidential information and referrals to local treatment centers.
- Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741 to connect with a trained crisis counselor.
