Arizona and Nevada law enforcement collaborated to bust a stolen property trafficking operation involving 600 high-end drones worth $1.2 million, as reported by News3LV.
The operation, launched by Henderson Police with the assistance of the Bullhead City Police Department and other agencies, has resulted in the arrest of nine suspects, one of whom remains at large.
According to Fox5Vegas, information shared by Henderson authorities tipped off Bullhead City Police on March 13 about the drone heist that took place on March 4, leading police to the residence of the Loftin brothers, Eric and Chad.
Police uncovered not only drones but also illicit vehicles, motorcycles, trailers, and firearms. Investigations have peeled back the layers on an extensive trafficking ring.
Eric Loftin was arrested by HPD detectives in Las Vegas on Thursday and charged with multiple felonies.
While the elder Loftin faces his felony charges, Chad Henry Loftin, 41, has evaded capture and is wanted for his alleged involvement in the stolen property trafficking ring.
During the execution of five search warrants on Monday, the bust grew to include several individuals connected to the operation, and items were recovered in Bullhead City, Fort Mohave, and Topock.
As the number of arrests grows, individuals such as Jeffrey Loftin, 66; Randall Moore, 41; and Amanda Kerekes, 37, have been charged with offenses ranging from possession of stolen property to possession of drug paraphernalia.
Michael McIntosh, 48; Stephanie Williams, 32; Jeanna Kreamier, 37; and Anthony Wadley, 42, have also been arrested on drug-related charges. Authorities are still searching for the missing drones and encourage anyone with information to contact Bullhead City Police at (928) 763-1999.
