Five Arrested in Maricopa County for Trafficking Guns and Drugs on Social Media
Maricopa County authorities have arrested five individuals for allegedly using social media platforms to facilitate the sale of firearms and illicit drugs. The arrests were the result of an extensive investigation conducted by multiple law enforcement agencies under the Maricopa County Drug Suppression Taskforce (MCDST), a High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) initiative.
According to a news release issued on February 10, the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO) reported that investigators successfully identified and apprehended the suspects, who were allegedly advertising fully-automatic machine guns online. In addition to illegal firearm sales, they were also engaged in drug trafficking activities.
During the arrests, law enforcement officers seized a significant quantity of dangerous substances. The confiscated drugs included approximately 2,000 fentanyl pills, along with smaller amounts of cocaine, methamphetamines, and MDMA. These substances, particularly fentanyl, pose a serious public safety risk due to their high potency and potential for fatal overdoses.
The suspects were identified as Luis Acevedo Machorro, Marcos Acevedo Machorro, Jennifer Rojas Madrigal, Andres Acevedo Dominguez, and Jesus Garcia Barrales. Each of them now faces charges related to drug and weapons trafficking.
The operation was carried out by MCDST, which comprises multiple law enforcement agencies working collaboratively to combat drug-related crimes in the region. This task force includes members from MCSO, the Buckeye Police Department, Tempe Police Department, Mesa Police Department, Surprise Police Department, Casa Grande Police Department, the Arizona Attorney General’s Office, the Arizona Department of Corrections, and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). Their primary objective is to disrupt and dismantle mid-to-high-level drug trafficking organizations operating within Arizona.
The arrests highlight the growing trend of criminals exploiting social media platforms to conduct illegal activities, including drug distribution and firearms sales. Authorities continue to monitor online platforms to prevent the spread of dangerous substances and illegal weapons. The investigation remains ongoing as officials work to determine the full extent of the trafficking network.
