On Thursday, May 21, 2026, detectives with the Arizona Department of Public Safety’s (AZDPS) Southern Narcotics District intercepted a cache of firearms and ammunition believed to be bound for Mexico.

Shortly after midnight, a detective stopped the driver of a Hyundai sedan on eastbound Interstate 10 in Marana for civil traffic violations. During the stop, the driver denied possessing weapons; however, detectives observed multiple firearms cases in plain view inside the car.

A subsequent search of the vehicle revealed ten firearms, including:

• M240 machine gun
• M249 machine gun
• AK-47
• Barrett .50-caliber semi-automatic rifle
• (6) Colt 38 Super semi-automatic handguns

Detectives also located 5,000 rounds of ammunition and miscellaneous gun parts.

The driver was determined to be a prohibited possessor and was arrested on the scene. Investigators believe the weapons and ammunition were being transported to Mexico.

This seizure is part of AZDPS’s ongoing efforts to disrupt illegal weapons, drug, and human-trafficking operations while protecting Arizona communities from the threats posed by transnational criminal organizations. 

Preliminary Information - May 25, 2026

The Arizona Department of Public Safety's (AZDPS) Major Incident Division (MID) is investigating a Highway Patrol State Trooper-involved shooting that occurred just after 8 a.m. on Monday, May 25, 2026.

The incident began as a traffic stop on westbound Interstate 10 near Benson, Arizona.

The individual shot by state troopers is deceased. No state troopers are injured. There is no ongoing threat to the public, and the scene is secured for the investigation.

Additional details will be released as they are confirmed and available to share.

Incident #I26031899

Update - May 26, 2026

The deceased suspect, a woman, has been identified as Berkleigh Jade Bond, 39, of Wichita Falls, Texas.

PHOENIX - Detectives with the Arizona Department of Public Safety (AZDPS) State Gang Task Force conducted a traffic stop on Thursday, May 14, 2026, near 14th Street and Baseline Road in Phoenix. During the stop, a narcotics detection canine alerted to the vehicle, prompting a search. Detectives located approximately one pound of methamphetamine inside the vehicle and arrested two suspects.

A related search warrant was subsequently served at a residence near Central Avenue and Dobbins Road. During the operation, detectives arrested a third suspect and seized three firearms—two handguns and one Draco rifle—along with three pounds of methamphetamine, over $6,000 cash, and a small quantity of cocaine.

Three suspects were booked into the Maricopa County Jail on felony charges, including drug and weapons offenses.

This investigation reflects our State Gang Task Force detectives’ continued commitment to combating drug trafficking and to protecting Arizona communities from criminal activity.

A recent traffic stop by an Arizona Department of Public Safety (AZDPS) Canine District trooper resulted in the seizure of more than 100 pounds of dangerous drugs.

On Saturday, May 16, 2026, a state trooper stopped a driver on a highway north of Phoenix for multiple civil traffic violations. Indicators of criminal activity were observed during the stop, and a subsequent vehicle search revealed approximately 111.4 pounds of methamphetamine concealed in the vehicle. One suspect was arrested on felony drug-related charges.

This seizure highlights the persistent, vigilant work of our Canine District troopers to disrupt criminal activity and make Arizona communities safer. Investigational support was provided by the Maricopa Narcotics Squad and AZDPS Highway Patrol Districts 11 and 13.

Goodyear, Ariz. - On Tuesday, May 12, 2026, detectives with the Arizona Department of Public Safety’s (AZDPS) Vehicle Theft Task Force (VTTF) recovered a stolen Nissan GT-R sports car and arrested one suspect after an anonymous tip led investigators to a residence in Goodyear.

VTTF detectives executed the search warrant near Van Buren Street and Sarival Avenue and identified the stolen sports car. The vehicle, worth an estimated $75,000, had an altered vehicle identification number (VIN) in an attempt to conceal the theft.

Valdemar Quidera Jr., 36, of Goodyear, was arrested on charges related to fraud and vehicle theft.

The Goodyear Police Department Special Assignment Unit assisted VTTF detectives during the operation.

VTTF officials urge potential buyers purchasing through a private seller to verify the VIN and walk away if something seems suspicious. If the deal seems too good to be true, it probably is.

Anyone with tips or information related to auto theft cases is encouraged to contact the VTTF at [email protected] or the Arizona Automobile Theft Authority at aata.az.gov.

The Arizona Vehicle Theft Task Force serves an essential role on behalf of the Arizona Automobile Theft Authority (AATA) by working proactively to reduce vehicle theft throughout Arizona. Their work is supported by an annual grant from the AATA, enabling them to deter vehicle theft through enforcement, prosecution, and public awareness programs.