Local enforcement organizations bust marijuana operation across Arizona

PRESCOTT, AZ - The Partners Against Narcotics Trafficking (PANT) organization arrested members of a drug trafficking organization last Wednesday and Thursday in Yavapai and Maricopa Counties, an organization they say had affected the entire state of Arizona.

PANT, partnered with Yavapai County Sheriff's Office, Yavapai and Maricopa County Attorney's Offices, and Phoenix, Prescott Valley, Prescott, and Chino Valley Police Departments dismantled the operation through various interviews, surveillance and undercover officer actions.

According to YCSO, the operation was affecting marijuana sales of all types throughout the entire state, through sales by internet, street contact and businesses in the Phoenix and Prescott areas.

The organization was involved in selling marijuana-based products violating the Medical Marijuana Law and other statutes.

Evidence was seized at 10 locations in Yavapai County and Maricopa County through search warrants on Sept. 12 and 13, according to YCSO.

Over 20 pounds of marijuana, hundreds of marijuana products, firearms, vehicles and approximately $70,000 in cash were found during the operation.

Over 100 enforcement personnel were said to have been used during the operation bust.

Enforcement personnel also arrested their targeted individuals, Christopher Lee Martin, 37, Andrea Lyn Martin, 33, Todd James, 40, and Christopher Goodrich, 39, of Prescott and Phoenix.

Other arrests are expected in the future.

According to YCSO, detectives traced the production of the marijuana goods from a kitchen in Phoenix and their distribution across county lines.

Among the businesses in Prescott where search warrants were served were Green Cross and Hippie Village Emporium.

Banquets and More, James' home, Joint ReLeaf Compassion Club and Green Cross were among those businesses searched in Phoenix.

Christopher Martin, Andrea Martin, James and Goodrich were booked for various crimes including leading an organized crime operation, possessing marijuana, selling narcotic drugs, and others.

Andrea Martin was released on her own recognizance.

PANT Commander Bill Suttle made a statement saying that the investigation began as a simple Yavapai Silent Witness tip and through concerned citizen phone calls.