The Drug Bureau is responsible for prosecuting all drug cases, from simple possession to complex trafficking cases, and all drug-related violent crimes. The Drug Bureau works in partnership with local, state and federal agencies in Pinal County to protect the community from problems generated by the use and sale of illegal drugs. The use of illegal drugs are at the root of numerous other crimes in the community.  Drug addiction underlies many thefts, burglaries, and other property crimes to fund the habit. Substance abuse is a significant factor in domestic violence, child neglect, violent crimes, and overdose deaths. Overdoses, fueled by opioids, are at crisis levels. Drug sales and trafficking also result in violent crimes and funds gang activities in the community.

Drug Bureau prosecutors follow a two-prong approach in addressing this problem. First, prosecutors seek to help the non-violent drug user overcome their drug addition by mandating participation in treatment programs through the Pinal County Attorney’s Office Diversion Program or as a term of probation under the supervision of the Pinal County Adult Probation Office.  Drug Bureau prosecutors are also assigned as team members for two Pinal County Superior Court Drug Court Programs designed to address the serious addiction issues underlying the criminal behavior of repeat non-violent offenders. Finally, for drug dealers and traffickers who poison our neighborhoods by spreading illegal drug use, the Drug Bureau prosecutors seek prison sentences to protect the community and deter the spread of drugs within Pinal County.