A year-long investigation into the illegal sale of prescription drugs by the Mesa Police Department has resulted in 12 arrests so far. The department’s Street Crimes Unit has spent the last 12 months looking into people who either own or operate Yerberia shops in the Valley. Those are health food stores that cater to the Latino community.
Wednesday morning, Mesa police served 14 search warrants at the shops in Mesa, Tempe, Phoenix, Chandler, Scottsdale and Tolleson,as well as the homes of the people suspected of operating them. Authorities said the investigation focused on the illegal sale of prescription drugs manufactured in Mexico.
Mesa police said homes, businesses, vehicles and bank accounts were also seized, and that the investigation is ongoing.