| ITEM #: 7. DATE: 09/28/2026 AI #:3486 |
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CITY COUNCIL ACTION REPORT
| SUBJECT: | APPROVAL OF MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING (MOU) WITH DRUG ENFORCEMENT ADMINISTRATION (DEA) TASK FORCE PARTICIPATION |
| STAFF PRESENTER(S): | Brian Issitt, Chief of Police |
SUMMARY
The Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) allows the City of Goodyear Police Department (GYPD) to continue to partner with the DEA for drug-related investigations. As part of the task force, the GYPD participates in the DEA Equitable Sharing Program which is managed by the Money Laundering and Asset Recovery Station (MLARS). MLARS requires annual certification of the Equitable Sharing Agreement and Certification Affidavit prior to allocating asset forfeiture funding to the City of Goodyear, which was already approved by City Council on September 14, 2026.
STRATEGIC PLAN ALIGNMENT
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RECOMMENDATION
Approve the MOU with the Department of Justice, Drug Enforcement Administration, to allow the Goodyear Police Department to continue to participate in the DEA Task Force, and provide authorization and direction to the City Manager, or designee, to take actions and execute documents necessary to carry out the intent of the agreement. (Brian Issitt, Chief of Police)
FISCAL IMPACT
All costs associated with the DEA MOU have been accounted for as part of GYPD's adopted FY2027 budget and additional funding is not needed. Per the agreement, the Department of Justice and DEA, subject to availability, will provide necessary funds and equipment to support the Goodyear detective assigned to the task force. Additionally, the DEA will reimburse the employee's overtime up to 25% in accordance with federal pay scale standards. The City's participation in this task force qualifies the police department for the associated Equitable Sharing Program which allows the Department of Justice (DOJ) to allocate a portion of asset forfeitures to the City. These funds will be tracked within the existing Racketeering Influence and Corrupt Organizations Act (RICO) object codes.
BACKGROUND AND PREVIOUS ACTIONS
On November 7, 2022, Council approved GYPD to participate in the DEA Task Force for the period of four years, ending September 30, 2026. This task force allows the GYPD to provide one detective to assist with DEA with cases within the valley, including the City of Goodyear. If the participation in the task force results in a federal forfeiture, GYPD may file to receive a portion of the forfeiture.
In order to participate in the equitable sharing program, GYPD must submit the Equitable Sharing Agreement and Certification (ESAC) form and affidavit to the Money Laundering and Asset Recovery Section (MLARS), which was approved by Council on September 14, 2026. Once this form has been reviewed and accepted, the Department is placed into compliance.
In order to participate in the equitable sharing program, GYPD must submit the Equitable Sharing Agreement and Certification (ESAC) form and affidavit to the Money Laundering and Asset Recovery Section (MLARS), which was approved by Council on September 14, 2026. Once this form has been reviewed and accepted, the Department is placed into compliance.
STAFF ANALYSIS
The value of GYPD's participation in federal narcotics investigations was demonstrated in June 2025, when the Drug Enforcement Administration conducted a major fentanyl trafficking investigation with assistance from the City of Goodyear Police Department, Homeland Security Investigations, Arizona Department of Public Safety, and Arizona State University Police Department.
The investigation resulted in the arrest of two individuals and the seizure of more than 45 kilograms of fentanyl, including more than 36 kilograms of fentanyl pills and more than 9 kilograms of fentanyl powder. Investigators also recovered more than 200,000 additional fentanyl pills and approximately nine kilograms of fentanyl powder during a subsequent search.
This investigation demonstrates the benefit of GYPD's participation in DEA task-force operations. GYPD officers were able to contribute local investigative knowledge and expertise to a complex, multi-agency investigation involving activity beyond the City's jurisdiction. Participation provides the Department with a direct connection to federal investigative resources, intelligence, specialized expertise, and partner agencies while allowing GYPD to contribute to investigations targeting significant narcotics trafficking organizations operating throughout the region. MOU is included as Attachment A.
The investigation resulted in the arrest of two individuals and the seizure of more than 45 kilograms of fentanyl, including more than 36 kilograms of fentanyl pills and more than 9 kilograms of fentanyl powder. Investigators also recovered more than 200,000 additional fentanyl pills and approximately nine kilograms of fentanyl powder during a subsequent search.
This investigation demonstrates the benefit of GYPD's participation in DEA task-force operations. GYPD officers were able to contribute local investigative knowledge and expertise to a complex, multi-agency investigation involving activity beyond the City's jurisdiction. Participation provides the Department with a direct connection to federal investigative resources, intelligence, specialized expertise, and partner agencies while allowing GYPD to contribute to investigations targeting significant narcotics trafficking organizations operating throughout the region. MOU is included as Attachment A.