The Arizona Department of Public Safety (AZDPS) is excited to announce the launch of its new podcast, Seven Points, premiering today, Monday, November 18. Hosted by the AZDPS Public Information Supervisor Sergeant Eric Andrews and Detective Sherod Harris, the podcast provides an exclusive, behind-the-scenes look at the diverse careers and personal experiences of AZDPS personnel, offering a unique opportunity for listeners to connect with those who serve and protect Arizona.

In each episode, the hosts interview a different sworn or professional staff member of the AZDPS team, asking seven specific questions that explore their background, career path, daily experiences, and personal insights into working for Arizona's premier law enforcement agency. The goal is to introduce the public to the many career opportunities at the AZDPS while highlighting the dedication, challenges, and personal stories of its employees. Whether you’re interested in a career with the AZDPS or simply want to learn more about the department’s work, Seven Points will provide valuable, behind-the-scenes stories from the people who make it all happen.

The premiere episode is now available and features Colonel Jeffrey Glover, Director of the Arizona Department of Public Safety. In this episode, Colonel Glover shares his journey to a career in law enforcement and leadership, his vision for the department for the next two years, and much more.

“We created Seven Points to showcase the incredible individuals behind the badge at the Arizona Department of Public Safety,” said Sgt. Eric Andrews. “By hearing from our people firsthand, we hope to offer insight into the diverse opportunities within the department that much of the public doesn’t know exist as well as showcase the meaningful work our team does to keep our communities safe.”

New episodes of Seven Points will be released biweekly, with occasional special episodes in between, and will be available on Spotify, iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, and Podcast Index, as well as a video version on the AZDPS YouTube page.

From August 1, 2024, through October 31, 2024, the Arizona Department of Public Safety (AZDPS) was involved in numerous significant drug seizures statewide. Troopers seized a total of approximately 6,498 pounds of illicit drugs.

The seizures included the following:

• 837 lb of fentanyl (pills and powder)
• 514 lb of methamphetamine
• 33 lb of heroin
• 231 lb of cocaine
• 4,883 lb of marijuana

The AZDPS would like to thank our partners at the federal, state, and local levels who provided vital assistance in many of these investigations.

These seizures reflect the department’s ongoing commitment to disrupt the flow of dangerous drugs into our communities.

In early October of 2024, Arizona Department of Public Safety (AZDPS) Vehicle Theft Task Force (VTTF) detectives located three stolen vehicles in an alley behind a home in northwest Tucson. The stolen vehicles included a 2012 Nissan 370z, a 2015 Dodge Challenger, and a 2019 Dodge Charger Scat Pack.

Detectives initiated surveillance, and further investigation revealed the three stolen cars – along with other vehicles located at the residence - were associated with a car club involved in illegal street takeovers in Tucson. While conducting surveillance, detectives identified several suspects associated with the stolen vehicles and street takeovers.

On Oct. 19, detectives recovered the stolen Dodge Charger at a residence in Marana as it was being chopped and parted out. Two suspects - Jiovany Arellano, 21, and Cesar Duran, 31 - fled from the property on foot when detectives arrived. Both suspects were found nearby and were arrested and booked into the Pima County Jail on charges including theft of means of transportation, burglary in the third degree, and operating a chop shop.

The following Monday, Oct. 21, detectives served a residential search warrant at the residence in Tucson where the three stolen vehicles were originally located. Detectives recovered both the Nissan 370z and the Dodge Challenger, and also located a stolen 2006 Cadillac CTS in the yard.

Brandon Ortiz-Gonzales, 19, and Brian Ortiz-Gonzales, 22, were arrested and booked into the Pima County Jail on charges including theft of means of transportation, burglary in the third degree, and operating a chop shop.

Camron Patterson, 21, was also arrested on charges including theft of means of transportation and burglary in the third degree.

In total, detectives arrested five suspects, recovered four stolen vehicles, and seized an additional nine vehicles as evidence.

This investigation is ongoing. Anyone with additional information is asked to contact the Vehicle Theft Task Force at [email protected].

The VTTF is comprised of city, county and state law enforcement agencies participating in a concerted effort to identify, apprehend and prosecute individuals and criminal organizations that profit from the theft of motor vehicles and related crimes.

The VTTF serves a vital mission on behalf of the Arizona Automobile Theft Authority (AATA) to reduce vehicle theft in Arizona by deterring criminal activity through effective and proactive enforcement, prosecution and public awareness programs. The VTTF is substantially funded by an annual grant from the AATA.