Must See Video: Targeting the drug dealers who target our kids

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Lupita Murillo - View Bio

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Heroin use among teenagers in Tucson is growing. That's according to local law enforcement.  In fact, last year alone, three northwest teens died from drug overdoses.  Now -- the Counter Narcotics Alliance Unit is on the offensive tracking and arresting dealers selling to kids.

In a rare opportunity, News 4's Lupita Murillo was granted access as undercover officers made their buys and raided suspected drug dealers homes. Our cameras were there as the Tucson Police SWAT Team converge on a suspected heroin dealer's home located on the city's South side.

They move quickly and quietly, uniformed officers arrive as the SWAT team takes control of the scene, it looks and sounds like a war zone.  Police arrest a woman and Jose Ahumada, the alleged heroin dealer.  He's asked, "Why are you selling heroin out of your door?" Ahumada's reply, 'I ain't selling nothing, don't be asking me nothing.'"

Earlier that day News 4's camera was there as an undercover officer bought heroin.  He goes to Ahumada's house, walks up to the door and thru a broken window in the front door, the undercover officer hands over the cash, and out comes the heroin.  Police say they have bought heroin from Ahumada on numerous occasions.

In his apartment, police say they found about 500-dollars in cash most of it in 20's, including the money from the undercover officer. Tucson police Sergeant Wally Kadery says, "Clearly they're using and probabably selling not only to make money but to support their habit."

Neighbors are relieved at ahumada's arrest.  One neighbor said, "We're thankful to the police cuz they're gone."

Another alleged drug dealer gone is Hugo Lopez. All summer long, police set their sights on Lopez and his associates. Drug Enforcement Administration Supervisor Danny Comeaux says, "They're a violent heroin drug trafficking organization in the area."

As the sun came up, the hammer came down, the Pima County Regional SWAT team moved in and served warrants at Lopez' house.  The element of surprise netted several arrests. All related to Hugo Lopez. His nephew Raul Villarreal denies any involvement. Also arrested, Miriam Lopez, Hugo's wife. She's patted down and searched, unhappy at the sight of our camera. A third arrest, Saul de Jesus Vargas. Lopez himself arrested later. All four a part of a suspected drug trafficking organization that's been dismantled at least for now.

During the investigation, CNA made 20 arrests and seized 23 pounds of heroin.

On Thursday, November 19, the Counter Narcotics Alliance is hosting a Tucson Metropolitan drug symposium. It takes place from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Ironwood Ridge High School.  It is free and open to the public.

Ironwood Ridge High School address:  2475 W. Naranja Drive, Oro Valley

For more information:  http://www.partnerupaz.org

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