Wednesday, August 28, 2013

Yerberia Shops Investigation

During the last twelve (12) months, the Mesa Police Department's Street Crimes Unit has been conducting an investigation into individuals, who either own or operate several Los 3 Amigos and El Renacer Yerberia Shops in our Valley, regarding the illegal sale of controlled/prescription only drugs manufactured in Mexico.

This morning those efforts resulted in the service of 14 search warrants throughout the cities of Mesa, Phoenix, Tempe, Scottsdale, Chandler, and Tolleson. Seven of these locations were the residences of individuals involved and the remaining seven were the various Yerberia shop locations. The warrants were successfully and safely served with the assistance of several of our local law enforcement sister agencies -- Phoenix PD, Scottsdale PD, Tempe PD and Chandler PD. Additional investigative assistance was received at these locations by DEA and the FDA.

While the investigation is still ongoing, we can report that so far twelve individuals have been arrested in connection with this criminal enterprise. In addition, several residences, businesses, vehicles and bank accounts have been seized as evidence. There were no injuries to suspects or officers during the service of these search warrants.