On Monday, January 6, 2025, an Arizona Department of Public Safety (AZDPS) Commercial Vehicle Enforcement trooper initiated a traffic stop on the driver of a Volvo tractor-trailer on eastbound Interstate 40 in Holbrook for civil traffic violations.

During the traffic stop and resulting commercial motor vehicle inspection, the trooper observed multiple indicators of criminal activity. A subsequent search of the truck and trailer revealed 553.8 pounds of cocaine concealed within a produce load.

Further investigation revealed the drugs were being smuggled from the cities of Salinas and Los Angeles, California, to Canada.

The driver, 31-year-old Amarjeet Singh Matharu, was arrested and booked into the Navajo County Jail on charges including possession and transportation of narcotic drugs for sale.

The estimated street value of the cocaine seized is between approximately $16.6 million and $22.1 million.

AZDPS remains committed to working with our law enforcement partners at all levels to dismantle drug trafficking operations and disrupt the flow of illegal drugs within our communities.

PHOENIX - On Dec. 11, 2024, personnel and partners of the Arizona Counter Terrorism Information Center (ACTIC) gathered to celebrate the fusion center’s 20th anniversary. This event recognized the growth, success, and achievements of the ACTIC and its partners in safeguarding the State of Arizona.

The ACTIC, also known as the Arizona Fusion Center, serves as a vital hub for information sharing, investigative and analytical support, and situational awareness that is critical to state and national security efforts.

Fusion centers were developed nationwide following the 9/11 terrorist attacks to provide a collaborative environment for federal, state, and local partners to exchange information in order to detect, mitigate, and deter terrorism. The ACTIC’s mission has evolved from a counter terrorism focus to an “all threats, all hazards” focus.

Since it was established in 2004, the ACTIC has played an essential role in protecting Arizona’s communities and critical infrastructure. The fusion center operates on a 24/7 basis and is responsible for sharing timely, relevant, and accurate information to support law enforcement and mitigate threats to public safety.

“Over the past two decades, the ACTIC has become a cornerstone of public safety in Arizona, supporting our law enforcement partners and ensuring that our state remains resilient in the face of evolving threats,” said Colonel Jeffrey Glover, Director of the Arizona Department of Public Safety. “The dedication and professionalism of our ACTIC personnel has created a model for fusion centers across the nation.”

ACTIC is a unified effort to secure Arizona, to prevent and deter terrorist attacks and protect against, and respond to, threats and crimes to ensure a safe and secure state while protecting civil rights and liberties of citizens.

“We remain committed to our mission and the principles that have guided us for the past 20 years—collaboration, vigilance, and preparedness,” said Major Frank Griego, Director of the ACTIC. “We will continue to evolve and innovate to meet the needs of our partners and the citizens we serve.”

To learn more about the Arizona Counter Terrorism Information Center or to access resources on counterterrorism efforts in Arizona, visit azactic.gov.

The mission of the ACTIC is to protect the public and critical infrastructures of the State of Arizona by enhancing and coordinating information sharing and providing effective, efficient, ethical, lawful, and professional intelligence and investigative support for local, county, state, tribal, federal, and private sector partners.

The Arizona Department of Public Safety (AZDPS) is proud to announce the graduation of 27 new Arizona State Troopers from the State Trooper Academy on Thursday, November 21, 2024.

Class 36 comprised 18 cadets and nine lateral officers who transferred from other law enforcement agencies.

Colonel Jeffrey Glover, Director of the AZDPS, addressed the class and administered their oath of office during the graduation ceremony in Mesa.

The troopers are assigned to duty stations throughout Arizona, including:

• Benson
• Bullhead City
• Casa Grande
• Flagstaff
• Holbrook
• Kingman
• Oracle
• Phoenix (Capitol and Metro Central, South, East & West)
• Prescott
• Sierra Vista
• Tucson
• Willcox

Each of the new troopers will now begin their 12-week field training program, during which time they will each be paired with senior troopers as they begin their highway patrol duties.

Congratulations to Class 36!