Arizona DPS Releases New Video Highlighting Operation Desert Guardian's Impact Across Arizona

The approximately eight-minute video showcases nearly a year of coordinated enforcement efforts involving 12 state and county partners, resulting in more than 2,900 arrests, nearly 10,000 pounds of illegal drugs seized, and 127 firearms confiscated.

PHOENIX, Ariz. – The Arizona Department of Public Safety (AZDPS) has released a new video highlighting the work and impact of Operation Desert Guardian (ODG), a coordinated public safety initiative bringing together 12 state and county law enforcement and public safety partners to disrupt criminal activity and strengthen public safety across Arizona.

The approximately eight-minute video provides a closer look at nearly a year of coordinated enforcement efforts, highlighting the dedication, collaboration, and collective impact of participating agencies working to combat drug trafficking, apprehend criminal offenders, and disrupt criminal networks operating throughout the state.

From December 2025 through September 2026, Operation Desert Guardian has delivered significant enforcement results, including:

• More than 2,900 ODG-related arrests

• 8,900+ pounds of illegal drugs seized

• $19+ million in illicit drugs intercepted (estimated street value)

• 127 firearms confiscated

• Approximately 1.2 million fentanyl pills seized

Behind these numbers are the law enforcement professionals and partner agencies whose coordination, intelligence sharing, and enforcement efforts make these operations possible.

"Operation Desert Guardian demonstrates what is possible when agencies work together with a shared mission and commitment to public safety,” said Colonel Jeffrey Glover, Director of the Arizona Department of Public Safety. “I want to thank Governor Katie Hobbs for her continued support and investment in this initiative. Her commitment has provided us with the resources necessary to sustain these targeted enforcement operations and strengthen our partnerships with law enforcement agencies across Arizona. These results are not the work of any single agency, but reflect the collective dedication of our partners to disrupting criminal organizations, removing dangerous drugs and weapons from circulation, and protecting the communities we serve. This video gives Arizonans a closer look at the people, partnerships, and important work behind these results."

Through intelligence-driven enforcement and strategic partnerships, Operation Desert Guardian continues to identify and disrupt criminal networks, intercept illegal narcotics, and strengthen coordination among participating agencies.

Operation Desert Guardian Partners:

State Partners:

• Arizona Department of Public Safety (AZDPS)

• Arizona Department of Homeland Security (AZDOHS)

• Arizona Department of Emergency and Military Affairs (DEMA)

• Arizona Governor's Office of Youth, Faith and Family (GOYFF)

• Arizona Department of Health Services (ADHS)

County Partners:

• Cochise County Sheriff's Office

• Coconino County Sheriff's Office

• Greenlee County Sheriff's Office

• La Paz County Sheriff's Office

• Navajo County Sheriff's Office

• Pinal County Sheriff's Office

• Yavapai County Sheriff's Office

The newly released video highlights not only the results of these efforts but also the importance of collaboration among agencies working toward a common goal: safer communities across Arizona.

Watch the full Operation Desert Guardian video here: https://youtu.be/ooD8LG3H6RM

As Operation Desert Guardian continues, AZDPS and its partners remain committed to disrupting criminal activity and protecting the people of Arizona.

Media Inquiries:

Arizona Department of Public Safety

Public Affairs Unit

[email protected]