By L. Parsons Navajo County Sheriff Clouse and Deputy Sheriff Brian Swanty made a presentation to the Navajo County Board of Supervisors last week. In it, they outlined the activity of the multi-agency task force MCAT (Major Crime Apprehension Team) for 2020. Swanty explained, “In 2020, MCAT seized over 150 pounds of methamphetamine, nearly 20 pounds each of heroin and cocaine, 449 pounds of marijuana, $48,361 in U.S. currency and over 53,000 fentanyl pills. He continued, “I should note that these numbers are from about July 2020 on. From about February to the first of July, the task force wasn’t as active as they usually are. We were working on targeting our approach.” The task force was able to make nearly 100 physical arrests, serve 95 search warrants and assisted the Winslow Police Department with 11 arrests. The board also approved a declaration of emergency due to extreme fire danger. Emergency Management Director Katrina Jenkins advised the board that moving into Stage 1 restrictions was prudent due to extended drought conditions. She said, “This year, we are seeing extraordinary drought conditions that have impacted the forests throughout the entire state. In addition to the very dry conditions, we will be seeing moderate to high winds.” Stage 1 restrictions prohibit campfires, charcoal, coal and wood stoves except within a developed recreation site and smoking except within enclosed vehicles or buildings.
