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Undercover police operation nets six alleged pill pushers

By Jon Johnson
Assistant Editor
Published on Friday, November 20, 2009 10:38 AM MST

A three-month-long undercover police operation culminated with the arrests of six alleged prescription narcotic pill dealers throughout the Gila Valley on Tuesday.

Arrested during the roundup were Howard Hom, 57; Antonio Garcia,35; Daniel Tellez, 54; and Debra Glidewell, 55, all of Safford; Joann Villa, 38, of Thatcher and Juan Ramirez, 53, of Pima.

Most of the suspects had five warrants each for their arrest, one warrant for each time they sold pills to a police operative. Garcia had four warrants and Tellez had three. The warrants were served by officers from the Safford Police Department, Thatcher Police Department and Graham County Sheriff's Office.

The suspects were arrested and booked into the Graham County Jail on charges of selling a narcotic drug – a class two felony. If convicted, mandatory sentencing laws require a minimum of four years in prison with the presumptive term set at five years and the maximum term set at 10 years for each count.

The suspects' bonds were set at $10,000 cash for each warrant with the exception of Ramirez, who faced Justice of the Peace District Two Judge Dewey Bryce. Ramirez was given the option of a cash or paper bond. In a paper bond, defendants only need to pay 10 percent of the amount and can cover the rest with collateral. In a cash bond, defendants need to pay the entire amount of the bond.

According to Safford detective Jason Knight, the suspects were obtaining the narcotic pills legally through doctors' prescriptions and then selling them for a large profit. He said in some cases, the government or the suspect's health insurance paid for most of the prescription's cost. Dealers could then recoup their investment with the sale of a single pill.

The pills the suspects were selling were derivatives of the opioid analgesic Oxycodone. In addition to the sentencing structure for the sale of narcotics, the suspects could also face additional misdemeanor charges relating to the abuse of their prescriptions.

Knight told the Courier that prescription pill abuse has spiked in the Gila Valley to become the most widely abused drug. He said people quickly become addicted and soon resort to crushing the pills and snorting them or shooting them up like heroin. Oxycodone is basically a synthetic form of heroin, and users have told police they have switched to using Oxycodone because of the guaranteed purity and measured strength of a dose. The use has led to an increase in property crimes such as burglary and theft, according to Knight.

Oxycodone was first synthesized from thebaine – a minor constituent of opium – in 1916 by the German pharmaceutical company Bayer after it stopped the mass production of heroin due to hazardous and harmful use and dependence. Heroin was originally created as a replacement for morphine. The scientists believed a thebaine-derived drug would retain the analgesic effects of morphine and heroin with less dependence.

A time-release brand of Oxycodone called OxyContin was approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration in 1995 and became the nation's best-selling nongeneric narcotic pain reliever by 2001. By crushing the pills, users do away with the time-release aspect and essentially receive the same high they get from using heroin. In Safford, an 80mg OxyContin pill sells for $50 on the street, according to detective Knight.

According to the Drug Enforcement Agency, Oxycodone is listed as a schedule II drug. Under the Controlled Substances Act, it is listed as such because, while it is accepted for medical use, it has a high potential for abuse and may lead to severe psychological or physical dependence. According to section 829 of the Controlled Substances Act, no schedule II drug prescription may be refilled. That means the users must visit a doctor and have a new prescription given each time they need to purchase more pills. Abuse of the medication can lead to serious health problems and death.

Detective Knight told the Courier the SPD's investigation is ongoing and includes the sources the dealers use to acquire their prescriptions.

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Comments

55 comment(s)

get real wrote on Dec 18, 2009 4:47 PM:

" the only thing to do is legalize and regulate all drugs. its a fool who thinks that you will ever be able to eradicate drugs. they make people feel good, people like them and will continue to do them weather they are legal or not. The problem lies in the fact that they are against the law. Think of the tax dollars we could save by not having to jail "pushers" and the taxes we could make off these drugs the way they do tobacco and alcohol. Countries that allow small amounts of all drugs have a much lower rate "

wally smalls wrote on Dec 11, 2009 4:31 PM:

" this is a good story but speaking from experience its about five to six years to late SPD needs to pick up the Pace quick fast and in a hurry "

Agree wrote on Dec 10, 2009 9:58 AM:

" I agree with resident who said there should be a number to anonymously call if suspicions of drug use were aroused. BUT one problem might be that it might be used as a source of harrassment by someone who just wanted to cause trouble for someone they disliked. It would be really nice if such a number could be had. Sometimes neighbors see things that just don't seem right but are afraid to report because of fear of retaliation. Drug abuse is a big problem in this valley. Any suggestions or ideas that would be workable? "

a mothers heartbreak wrote on Dec 9, 2009 7:40 AM:

" I am a mom of a child that is currently battling drugs and know how devastating this is on a family. What starts out as a bad decission made by our kids to "experiment" with that first time drug use, suddenly turns into an "addiction" which is unfortunately out of thier control. The "drug" is making the decissions for them. I have a wonderful child that has done no wrong, no trouble and all around great kid that has now become an addict. Not blaming these people or anyone else, just simply asking everyone to help end this epidemic!!!!!! "

Resident wrote on Dec 8, 2009 11:32 AM:

" Can the Courier locate a number that us citizens can call with more tips? Im so sick of this drug in our community and everywhere for that matter.. "

Thank LAW wrote on Dec 8, 2009 11:30 AM:

" Thank you detectives for giving some of the mothers out here peace! Its about time law enforcement around here focuses on the real crimes like drugs that are impacting our community horribly!
protecting us is your job so please nail these drugs off the street! "

SaffordMother wrote on Dec 8, 2009 11:27 AM:

" all that I have to say is that it is ABOUT TIME something is done about these oc pills! We need to keep pushing to get these off our streets because it is one of the most addicting drugs to man and isnt really recognized because its a new type of narcotic. PLEASE help catch the rest of these crooks...everyone makes mistakes but we need these pills out of our society before more children and families are hurt!

Nice job law enforcement please keep it up the hearts of mothers everywhere are with you in complete gratitude! "

concerned resident wrote on Dec 7, 2009 12:53 PM:

" Without proper spelling and punctuation it is nearly impossible to present a case that anyone is likely to buy. Everyone should keep this in mind when posting an opinion. "

UNKNOW wrote on Dec 7, 2009 12:15 PM:

" I just don't understand when people say there a other side to the stories I thought selling drugs was a crime so why is there a other side to the stories confuse person .I alway though a crime a crime. "

THE FAMILY wrote on Dec 7, 2009 10:47 AM:

" YOU PEOPLE WANT TO SIT HERE JUDGEING AND ACT LIKE YOU KNOW WHAT WAS GOING ON WELL NONE OF YOU DO AND I HOPE ONE DAY YOU ARE PUT ON THE SPOT FOR YOUR MISTAKES THAT WAY I CAN THINK THE WORSE WHEN I DONT KNOW THE WHOLE TRUTH IF YOU WANT TO SAY ANYTHING ABOUT ANYONE THAT WAS ARRESTED PUT YOUR REAL NAME JUST CAUSE ALL YOU DONT HAVE YO WORRY ABOUT NOTHING JUST HAVE ALL YOUR NOSES IN THE AIR AND YOU NEED TO {KEEP YOUR EYES OPEN IN YOUR OWN FAMILYS CAUSE YOU ALL HAVE ONE OR "

Tommy Chong 180 wrote on Dec 4, 2009 2:49 PM:

" Hey man, do the crime do the time. Up in Smoke to all of them drug dealers man. I agree with most all of these statements. I hope my ex brother-in-law gets hunted down next by this new Safford narcotics task force. Educate the young minds because these old dogs will not learn, learn that crime never pays. Yes its nice shiny cars with shiny wheels till the jerk you thought was your buddy turns you in to save his / her own hide. If there are more of you out there we will build new accomodations 4 U ! "

Russ wrote on Dec 3, 2009 7:22 PM:

" Yep "

Suzan Chilcoat wrote on Dec 3, 2009 9:45 AM:

" My apologies go to Russ. I am not a good griever...and still a little raw. Denial,
remorse and disbelief.
I suppose you really do know what the other 35 members of my family are going through. We are scattered over the U.S. and have been misinformed and lied to for years. That includes our 93 year-old Mother.
Precisely the reason I moved here in 2007. Wish it was sooner...
Best to you and yours,
Suzan Chilcoat "

concerned resident wrote on Dec 1, 2009 9:58 AM:

" Perhaps the only epidemic worse than drug abuse in the Gila Valley is illiteracy. "

UNKNOW wrote on Nov 30, 2009 11:50 AM:

" Does any one think of these offiers that go under cover to make it safe for are community they put there lifes in danger what about them and there family and when one of them gets hurt who go to see them or help them out no one except there family and here they are doing this for all of us to make it safe for are kids and everyone one of us ,GOD BLESS THEM ALL "

unknow wrote on Nov 29, 2009 2:13 PM:

" A crime is a crime ,if you think a person has the right to do there drugs behine close door i don't know what kind of up bring they had ,know wonder why we had so may problem with are kids to day grownup a crime is a crime those officer did a good job those pill push are of the street and won;t hurt or sell any more to kids or whom they were deal with give five to the good police officers "

I agree wrote on Nov 28, 2009 7:28 AM:

" What a touching statment made by "falling tears". I would agree with you and hope that the people in this valley step up and realize what a huge problem drugs are in this valley, with Oxycottin pills on the rise daily. It breaks my heart to see individuals that have so much going for themselves fall victim of these pills. "Pill Pushers" have only one thing on thier mind when selling illegally to people...money. I have no sympathy for these sick people and why should I, they sure didn't think about my SON when he overdosed. Keep them locked up!!!! "

falling tears wrote on Nov 27, 2009 11:34 PM:

" If you have ever lost a loved one to an addiction, then you would feel what I feel. Addiction hurts everyone involved and can turn a family upside down in a very short time. The sleepless nights, constant worry, breaking heart and hoping everyday that comes will not end with an officer at your door telling you the awful news. If I could have one wish, it would be for a drug-free world. Its out of control and only getting worse unless everyone steps up and fights this battle we will get nowhere. It will take all of us.... "

UNKONW wrote on Nov 27, 2009 2:38 PM:

" J Herbert i know you have never been in pain there are people who would love to have a normal life go for walk or just do the simple thing like walk,run,jump,when they crying or have tears in there eyes because they can't do the thing we do it a world pain for alot of people,so think about when you tell someone to go get a life and they can't even get out of bed till someone help them or go to the bathroom. But the one that are dealing should go to jail to pay for the crime. "

unknow wrote on Nov 27, 2009 2:00 PM:

" Have anyone of you seen a person in pain and you can't do anything for them that why they go to doctor to control there pain and those others that steal med. from innocent people should pay for it.My mother was in alot of pain for years with cancer and she suffer alot.So people that take med. for there pleasure should be arrest,it people that break the law make it hard on sick people.It up to the person to control there med. Not the doctor and the doctor are very strict in giving out med . "

Its about time wrote on Nov 25, 2009 11:12 PM:

" GROW UP.. U ALL NEED DA MAX. U KNOW WHAT YA'LL U DID AND SHOULD BE PUNISHED. ITS A CRIME. "

give them the max wrote on Nov 25, 2009 3:38 PM:

" Im surprised that 4 of these people are over 50 and havent grown up yet, and the other 2 in their 30s and they have not grown yet either. what an embarrassment you all are to your families.. apparently you dont care ---do you.??? you dont just mess up your life but those in your family are hurt too.. Hope you each are given the max for your stupidity.. you all KNEW what you were doing was WRONG. If youre sorry its because you got BUSTED. "

Hey Bwana wrote on Nov 25, 2009 11:13 AM:

" Tsk...Tsk...I'm insulted in reading that you dare to compare the social taking of mushrooms to peyote taken in religion. Relgious freedoms and the freedom to eat mushrooms or drink drano are 2 different kinds of freedoms. Suggesting that mushrooms and peyote are interwoven in even some small way is just beyond ridiculous. Not even the tiniest minute way are they connected or should be compared. Besides, I haven't heard of a mushroom religion....have you? Maybe you can start one, since it's your freedom and all. Huh? "

Reality Check wrote on Nov 25, 2009 8:47 AM:

" "WE should be praying for them and the people who bought the pills"

I'll pray for them when they admit their sins and ask for forgiveness. Until then, they are just people who would still be doing the bad things they were doing, if not for being caught. "

Uummm... wrote on Nov 25, 2009 7:08 AM:

" Howard worked at Freedom Ford some time back....dont drag Norman into this...Norms a good guy. "

Russ wrote on Nov 24, 2009 9:20 PM:

" As I know you and your family Suzan, believe me when I say you have missed my meaning. However, be that as it may I hope that these individuals get whatever help they may need. "

Good job wrote on Nov 24, 2009 11:00 AM:

" Its about time they cracked down on pill poppers and pushers. Ive lost many friends over the last year because they became addicted to pills and I just couldnt stand to be around them. Im glad these people were busted, not only are there less sellers on the street but these pills were being paid for with my tax dollars and then resold to the weak who cant say no. Hope there are more arrest to come "

Come on guys wrote on Nov 24, 2009 1:57 AM:

" WE should be praying for them and the people who bought the pills.. They are all addicts.. Why condemn the condemed? Maybe if we all prayed instead of complained or put them down then we will be heard. God has a plan for them! It was in their destiny! "

To jw wrote on Nov 23, 2009 7:18 PM:

" I don't believe Howard Hom worked at Haralson's. The guy who works there is named Norman. "

Way to go wrote on Nov 23, 2009 4:11 PM:

" Keep on taking drugs off the street D.P.S. Drug Task Force.......good job!!! "

hotshot wrote on Nov 23, 2009 3:28 PM:

" who are you to judge for what they did!have you gone through life being perfect?i think not! "

No-Doze wrote on Nov 23, 2009 11:42 AM:

" Simple question who are the people breaking in to all the homes in our area ? Are they in most case men who have lost there job and stealing to put food on their table and feed their families or to make mortage payments to keep a roof over their head ? Or in most cases are the items stolen , PRESCRIPTION DRUGS , T.V. , Guns , VIDEO GAMES ,MOVIES Or are they stealing FOOD and CLOTHES ???
YOU BE THE JUDGE "

Observer wrote on Nov 22, 2009 4:33 PM:

" hehehehehe, Nice picture...... "

bwana wrote on Nov 22, 2009 2:53 PM:

" hey 1loco...
Perhaps you are ignorant of the rules here:

DO NOT POST:
* Potentially libelous statements or damaging innuendo.
* Obscene, explicit, or racist language.
* Personal attacks, insults or threats.
* The use of another person's real name to disguise your identity: You can be prosecuted for identity theft.
* Comments unrelated to the story. "

1loco wrote on Nov 22, 2009 9:22 AM:

" bwana u are ignorant Thats all i have to say "

Ed wrote on Nov 22, 2009 9:03 AM:

" They probably drink a couple of six packs of beer every night while getting on the computer and complaining about all those "drug addicts". Can you say Hippocrites??

The fact remains that alcohol and tobacco usage kill more people than all the illegal drugs combined. And they are legal.

People who support the drug war and believe drug laws are doing any good are the truly ignorant mindless government stooges. They have been propagandized by the feds lies and believe everything the government tells them.

Drug laws are justanother tool the governmentusestotakeyourrightsaway. "

Legal v. illegal drugs wrote on Nov 22, 2009 8:51 AM:

" To those who advocate making drugs legal and "controlling" their disribution, that is exactly the status of the drugs involved in this story. These legal and controlled (i.e. prescribed) drugs are having a devastating effect in our community, particularly among young people. Making more drugs legal will do nothing to eliminate that problem "

just asking wrote on Nov 22, 2009 8:36 AM:

" Did the D.P>S. Drug Task Force participate in this operation? "

bwana wrote on Nov 21, 2009 8:38 PM:

" hey helpful,
Why do you know it all do-gooder types always refuse to believe the science? Psylocybin mushrooms pose absolutely no risk of addiction and are physically harmless. They should be permitted to adults. Do you have a problem with the native American Church ingesting peyote? There is absolutely no difference...Everyone should have the same right to enhance their lives with the drug of their choosing...And suffer the consequences for over doing it. That's called freedom. I don't have that freedom, but I believe in it. "

C. Hoopes wrote on Nov 21, 2009 7:45 PM:

" I for one would really appreciate it if these people that are so "pro drug abuse" would use their real names. If you are so much a coward to not use your name then your opinion should be disrespectfully ignored!! "

pharmacytech wrote on Nov 21, 2009 3:48 PM:

" to juwanna I work in a pharmacy and trust me it is not the pharmacies fault. Pharmacies do what they can to monitor these people but are limited to so much.... And pharmacies are not to be held responisble. Since when is the blame not on the person who did wrong. Point the finger at the person who is lying to the doctor to get these pills to sell, after all nobody twisted their arm to start selling pills. Just know your facts before you point any fingers it will save you from looking bad. "

Suzan Chilcoat wrote on Nov 21, 2009 3:45 PM:

" Dear Editor,
In response to Russ's statement I would like to remind him that investigations take a great deal of precise planning and many hours of gumshoe work before they can actually make a bust "stick" so to speak. The month of May has nothing to do with the article, now does it? Twisting the knife on the grief stricken is below the belt. Especially when 3 live right there in Arizona in a position to intervene and didn't.
Let the Safford Police officials do their job and maybe, hopefully someone can help clean up Morenci, too. "

jw wrote on Nov 21, 2009 1:50 PM:

" oh my gosh!! Is that howard hom of haralson's tire?? NEVER would've suspected him.. "

Help with Suboxone wrote on Nov 21, 2009 11:44 AM:

" J. Herbert, ignore the ignorant. The person you directed your post to is also someone who thinks mushrooms are cool and we should all experience it. An addicted person oftentimes doesn't want to spend thousands of $ on oxycontin, but does so to avoid withdrawals after becoming addicted to it. If you need help for an oxycodone or any opioid addiction GO TO NAABT.ORG for help with SUBOXONE. I think the Courier should research the site and link it to help those in the community that are desparate. Please get help, it may save your life. "

Pharmacys policing us wrote on Nov 21, 2009 11:24 AM:

" Juwana, the pharmacy's already have a networked computer system. Most anyway. If the gov't takes over, you never know. The problem lies in actually proving they are selling their personal scripts as the story indiciates above. The problem with pharmacists & dr.'s policing those on narcs is that there are people selling their personal supplies who happen to have legit pain, cancer, etc. They just need the money more than the meds. I have heard of people getting embarassed at pharmacies because pharmacists try to police narcs and make a mistake. It's a tough situatioin all around. "

thisisajoke wrote on Nov 21, 2009 10:21 AM:

" its start, stop the stupidest war ever and just legalize it and tax it! "

thisisajoke wrote on Nov 21, 2009 10:20 AM:

" this whole thing is a waste of time and police resources, the drug laws make this type of profit possible for the pushers. i dont care if you put a cop on every street corner you will never stop drug use and sales. the best way is to legalize it, set some laws to control how and where its used and tax it. We spend way too much money on enforcement, court cases, incarceration and in the end all we do is fund criminal enterprise. In the ten short years that alcohol was made illegal it was what gave organized "

bwana wrote on Nov 21, 2009 9:05 AM:

" J. Herbert,
You have jumped to an unsubstantiated conclusion by suggesting that I use drugs. I do nothing of the sort, I don't even drink beer (another drug).
By supporting the war on drugs, you are vicariously supporting illegal drug cartels and their inherent violence. Legal drugs would do away with the black market so there are no profits to fight over.
I believe that adults should have the freedom to indulge themselves with their drug of choice in the privacy of their own homes.
In the future, please think twice before posting your ignorant or defammatory remarks. "

Russ wrote on Nov 21, 2009 4:22 AM:

" Such a shame there was little to no concern before May. "

to juwanna wrote on Nov 21, 2009 3:04 AM:

" The doctors can not always "fix" a patient. I have chronic back pain after breaking my back and I am told by a world renown surgeon that there is nothing that can be done for my pain, therefore I have a prescription for oxycontin. I hate it that these lowlife pushers make it harder and harder for those of us who legitemetaley need these medications. Kudos to the Safford PD for getting these nogood people off the street and I hope they never see the light of day. "

J. Herbert wrote on Nov 21, 2009 1:44 AM:

" Bwana, thank you for the stupidest thing I've read since November of 2008. The war on drugs isn't a secret plot to weed out pleasure-seekers by the "g-man," it is intended to protect children from dipsticks like yourself; to offer them the opportunity to not become addicted to or suffer the effects of strong painkillers, opiates, herbs and other narcotics. It is also intended to stop criminal and terrorist organizations from profiting off of the stupidity of our citizenry.

Lay off the drugs and do something with your life. "

Suzan Chilcoat wrote on Nov 20, 2009 11:32 PM:

" Dear Editor,
Thanks to the hard work of The Safford PD Drug Task Force I am pleased to read that 6 people are off the streets and not peddling the very drugs my family and I have been so concerned about since our sister's death in May. I say great job to the PD and with time it may sink in that Safford will not tolerate illicit drug sales or use. Six down, 30+ to go.
Respectfully,
Suzan Chilcoat
New Meixico "

juwanna wrote on Nov 20, 2009 5:27 PM:

" why do they not go after the doctors or pharmacies who give them out like candy?there should be a networking computer that shows how many times an individual gets the meds at any given pharmacy at any time > doctors should solve the problem not pacify it with pain meds!!! "

bwana wrote on Nov 20, 2009 4:31 PM:

" So the real reason those people got popped is because:

"Abuse of the medication can lead to serious health problems and death."

All thanks to the G-man for protecting us from ourselves! HA ! No wonder the prisons are overcrowded and way over budget. Stop the war on drugs! "

johnb wrote on Nov 20, 2009 12:47 PM:

" They need to catch the rest of those varmants.... the users are people who belong to prominent families. I feel bad for the families of these people that get addicted to this horrible stuff. "

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