Narc Talk Podcast

ANOA

A podcast for cops. Welcome to the Narc Talk Podcast. Produced by the Arizona Narcotic Officers Association (ANOA), this podcast goes behind the yellow tape to deliver essential, real-world education on narcotics trafficking right here in Arizona. From the front lines of the fentanyl crisis to the shifting strategies of dangerous drug cartels, we dive deep into the substances impacting our communities and the true violence that surrounds them. Whether you are in law enforcement, a community leader, or a concerned citizen, Narc Talk brings you the raw facts, expert insights, and critical awareness needed to understand and combat the drug epidemic. Connect with us at podcast@aznoa.org.

Episodes

  1. 1d ago

    Inside the Mind of an Undercover Narcotics Detective: Victor's Story

    Welcome back to Narc Talk! In this episode, hosts Phil Hawk and Matt Shay sit down with special guest Victor to dive deep into the high-stakes reality of narcotics enforcement, street-level investigations, and officer safety. Victor shares firsthand stories, lessons learned from years in the field, and critical insights into how law enforcement adapts to rapidly changing illicit drug markets and criminal tactics. 🔥 In This Episode: • [Insert Highlight 1: e.g., Victor's background in narcotics investigations] • [Insert Highlight 2: e.g., Breakdown of major case / operation] • [Insert Highlight 3: e.g., Tactics, undercover operations, or interdiction strategy] • [Insert Highlight 4: e.g., Key lessons for patrol officers and new detectives] 📍 Suggested Timestamps: 00:00 - Introduction & Welcoming Victor 01:30 - Victor’s Background & Career in Law Enforcement 05:15 - [Topic 1: Major Case Breakdown / The Turning Point] 10:45 - [Topic 2: Street Realities, Tactics & Investigations] 16:20 - [Topic 3: Overcoming Obstacles in Modern Narcotics Enforcement] 21:00 - Advice for Frontline Officers & Investigators 24:30 - Wrap-Up & Closing Thoughts 📌 About Narc Talk: Produced by the Arizona Narcotic Officers Association (ANOA), Narc Talk provides frontline law enforcement insights, investigative intelligence, and tactical breakdowns for officers, detectives, and the public. 🔗 Connect with ANOA: • Website: https://aznoa.org • Inquiries: podcast@aznoa.org Connect with Victor Galarza: thevigilanceproject.net 🤝 SUPPORT FRONT-LINE LAW ENFORCEMENT TRAINING The Arizona Narcotic Officers Association (ANOA) is dedicated to providing high-level training, resources, and scholarships to investigators and frontline officers across the state and country. Support the mission by making a tax-deductible donation today: 👉 Donate Here: https://aznoa.org/make-a-donation #NarcTalk #ANOA #LawEnforcement #PolicePodcast #Undercover #NarcoticsDetective #PoliceTraining #TrueCrime #InvestigatorStories #carteleracultural

    Inside the Mind of an Undercover Narcotics Detective: Victor's Story
  2. Aug 24

    We Tested a FULL AUTO AK-47 & Suppressors at the Police Range (Crime Guns Part 2)

    How do law enforcement officers and detectives identify illegal full-auto conversions, suppressors, and rapid-fire devices on the street? Watch Part 1 of our Crime Guns series here: https://youtu.be/oLDer_Y2JR0 In Part 2 of our "Crime Guns" series, Narc Talk hosts Phil Hawk and Matt Shea head back to the range with Phoenix PD Detective and ATF Task Force Officer Andy from the Crime Gun Intelligence Unit (Gun Squad). Together, they conduct live-fire demonstrations and break down what street cops and investigators need to know about modified firearms, trafficking trends, and NFA compliance. 🔥 What We Cover in This Episode: • Live Fire Range Tests: Short-barreled rifles (SBR), full-auto AK-47s, and suppressed weapon platforms • Suppressors & Silencers: How they actually work, sound suppression decibel realities vs. "Hollywood myths," and tax stamp verification • Identifying Full-Auto Conversions: How to perform proper function checks to spot converted AK-47s and auto sears without memorizing pin placements • Forced Reset Triggers (FRT) & Super Safeties: Mechanics, trigger manipulation differences, and their current legal classification • Street Interdiction & Investigations: How modified firearms circulate within drug trafficking networks and how officers can consult ATF/prosecutors before filing charges ⚖️ Legal Notice: Federal and state firearms regulations (including NFA requirements, tax stamps, and trigger device classifications) are subject to active litigation and statutory updates. Law enforcement officers should always consult their agency legal counsel, prosecutors, or ATF resources regarding specific cases. 📍 Timestamps: 00:00 - Semi-Auto vs. Full-Auto SBR Range Demo 02:15 - Trends in Modified Firearms & Guest Intro: Detective Andy (Phoenix PD / ATF TFO) 03:25 - Inside the Crime Gun Intelligence Unit (Gun Squad) & Narcotics Links 04:35 - The Dangers of Full-Auto Fire in Close Quarters & Public Safety Risks 06:10 - Legal Update: NFA Injunction Context & Prosecutor Consultation 06:55 - Real Suppressors vs. Blast Shields: Identification & Construction 07:45 - Suppressor Tax Stamps: Verification & State vs. Federal Enforcement 08:25 - Sound Profile Test: Are Suppressors "Hollywood Quiet"? 10:10 - Evolution of Suppressor Wait Times & SBR Ownership 12:28 - Identifying a Full-Auto AK-47: Selector Switches & Function Check Steps 13:58 - Forced Reset Triggers (FRT) vs. Super Safeties vs. True Full Auto 15:30 - How Super Safeties Work & Identifying Trigger Manipulation 17:15 - Machine Gun Law (1986 FOPA), Transferable Guns & Street Reality 19:05 - Best Practices for Patrol Officers: Charging & ATF TFO Coordination 20:20 - AK-47 Pin Checks & Function Verification Tips 21:05 - Live Fire Test: Full-Auto AK-47 Demonstration 21:55 - Range Wrap-Up & Closing Remarks 📌 About Narc Talk: Produced by the Arizona Narcotic Officers Association (ANOA), Narc Talk delivers frontline law enforcement insights, tactical intelligence, and real-world investigative strategies. 🔗 Connect with ANOA: • Website: https://aznoa.org • Inquiries: podcast@aznoa.org SUPPORT LAW ENFORCEMENT: ANOA is dedicated to providing high-level training, resources, and scholarships to investigators and frontline officers across the state and country. Support the mission by making a tax-deductible donation today: Donate Here: https://aznoa.org/make-a-donation #FullAuto #AK47 #Suppressors #PoliceTraining #NarcTalk #ANOA #LawEnforcement #ATF #CrimeGuns #FirearmsTesting #RangeDay #TacticalTraining #FRT #SuperSafety

    We Tested a FULL AUTO AK-47 & Suppressors at the Police Range (Crime Guns Part 2)
  3. Aug 14 ·  Bonus

    Inside the ANOA Vendor Show: Tactical Gear, Tech & How to Become a Sponsor | 38th Annual ANOA Conference

    Take a walk through the 38th Annual Arizona Narcotic Officers Association (ANOA) Conference Vendor Show! In this episode of Narc Talk, Phil Hawk and Matt Shea hit the expo floor to tour the booths, test out the latest gear, and interview the vendors supplying cutting-edge tools and services to frontline law enforcement officers. From firearms, tactical equipment, and specialized knives to secondary education programs, apparel, and surveillance gear, the ANOA vendor expo connects top-tier companies directly with over 600+ police officers, detectives, supervisors, and command staff from across Arizona and the nation. 🚨 WANT TO SHOWCASE YOUR BRAND NEXT YEAR? ANOA provides an unmatched direct-access platform to decision-makers, detectives, and law enforcement agencies across local, county, tribal, state, and federal levels. Booth spaces fill up fast—register early to secure your spot for next year’s conference! 👉 Register / Become a Sponsor: https://aznoa.org 🤝 SUPPORT FRONT-LINE LAW ENFORCEMENT TRAINING The Arizona Narcotic Officers Association (ANOA) is dedicated to providing high-level training, resources, and scholarships to investigators and frontline officers across the state and country. Support the mission by making a tax-deductible donation today: 👉 Donate Here: https://aznoa.org/make-a-donation 🔥 In This Episode: • Floor tour of the 38th Annual ANOA Vendor Expo • Exclusive interviews with featured vendors and equipment reps • Direct look at the latest tactical gear, weapons, apparel, and investigative technology • Why law enforcement companies return every year to sponsor ANOA • How to register your company as a vendor or sponsor for next year's conference #ANOA #NarcTalk #LawEnforcement #PoliceExpo #TacticalGear #PoliceTraining #VendorShow #PoliceConference #ArizonaPolice #LawEnforcementEquipment #PolicePodcast

    Inside the ANOA Vendor Show: Tactical Gear, Tech & How to Become a Sponsor | 38th Annual ANOA Conference
  4. Aug 12 ·  Bonus

    What They DON'T Teach You in the Police Academy | 38th Annual ANOA Conference

    Welcome back to Narc Talk! In this BONUS episode, Phil Hawk and Matt Shea highlight the 38th Annual Arizona Narcotic Officers Association (ANOA) Training Conference—Arizona's longest-running law enforcement training event. Phil and Matt dive into what makes this annual event essential for law enforcement officers, detectives, prosecutors, and command staff across the country. They detail the POST-compliant training classes, specialized certifications, networking opportunities, and family-friendly conference activities. 🔥 Key Topics Covered in This Episode: • Basic Narcotics Investigator Certification (AZ AG & Prosecutor-recognized) • Specialized breakout courses: Highway Interdiction, Wiretaps, K9 Operations, Human Trafficking, & Cartel Trends • Specialized tracks: Drug Commander Day and Drug Prosecutor Track • Inter-agency networking: Connecting local, state, tribal, and federal agencies across the nation • Conference highlights: Keynote speakers, law enforcement vendor show & raffle, scholarships, and networking events 📌 About the Arizona Narcotic Officers Association (ANOA): ANOA provides high-quality POST-compliant training to sworn law enforcement officers, detectives, corrections, counter-drug military, and prosecution teams to stay ahead of evolving tactics, technology, and legal trends. 📍 Timestamps: 00:00 - Introduction & 38th Annual ANOA Conference Overview 01:05 - Basic Narcotics Investigator Certification Breakdown 03:22 - Keynote Speakers, Awards Ceremony & $1,000 Member Scholarships 04:28 - Specialized Breakout Classes (Interdiction, Cartels, Wiretaps & Legal Trends) 05:20 - Vendor Show, Tactical Equipment & Annual Gun Raffle 06:15 - Networking Across Local, State, Tribal & Federal Agencies 07:25 - Drug Commander Day & Drug Prosecutor Specialized Tracks 08:08 - The Power of Inter-Agency Collaboration & Nationwide Contacts 10:05 - Conference Night Events (Raffle, Bingo & Cornhole Tournament) 10:40 - Resort Venue, Staycation Perks & Family-Friendly Amenities 12:18 - Attendance Eligibility & Law Enforcement Credentials Requirement 13:00 - The Importance of Continuous Training in Narcotics Work 🤝 SUPPORT FRONT-LINE LAW ENFORCEMENT TRAINING The Arizona Narcotic Officers Association (ANOA) is dedicated to providing high-level training, resources, and scholarships to investigators and frontline officers across the state and country. Support the mission by making a tax-deductible donation today: 👉 Donate Here: https://aznoa.org/make-a-donation #LawEnforcement #NarcoticsTraining #PoliceTraining #ANOA #NarcTalk #LawEnforcementPodcast #ArizonaPolice #InvestigatorTraining #Interdiction

    What They DON'T Teach You in the Police Academy | 38th Annual ANOA Conference
  5. Jul 18

    We Tested Illegal Street Switches on the Police Range! (Crime Guns Part 1)

    Why are illegal full-auto conversion devices like Glock switches and drop-in auto sears (DIAS) flooding the narcotics underworld? In Part 1 of Episode 5 of Narc Talk, hosts Phil Hawk and Matt Shay head out to the Phoenix Police Regional Academy shooting range to get hands-on with real crime guns recovered from street-level drug busts. Joined by Detective Andy Barcy from the Phoenix Police Gun Squad (ATF Task Force Officer), the team breaks down the mechanics, legal definitions, and dangerous trends surrounding illegal machine gun conversion devices. They examine recovered street weapons, explain how drug traffickers use 3D-printed Glock switches as "flex" status symbols on social media, and demonstrate live full-auto bursts versus semi-automatic fire control. The episode delivers high-value tactical intelligence for field officers and detectives, covering field-check safety protocols, failure-to-disclose firearm laws in Arizona, how to spot missing slide backplates on traffic stops, and how to differentiate an AR-15 pistol brace from an illegal Short-Barreled Rifle (SBR) or an illicit third-pin full-auto receiver. Subscribe to Narc Talk for elite law enforcement training & frontline insights! Outro & Teaser for Part 2 CONNECT WITH THE ARIZONA NARCOTIC OFFICERS ASSOCIATION (ANOA): • Official Website: https://aznoa.org • Submit Operational Questions: podcast@aznoa.org 🤝 SUPPORT FRONT-LINE LAW ENFORCEMENT TRAINING The Arizona Narcotic Officers Association (ANOA) is dedicated to providing high-level training, resources, and scholarships to investigators and frontline officers across the state and country. Support the mission by making a tax-deductible donation today: 👉 Donate Here: https://aznoa.org/make-a-donation #GlockSwitch #DropInAutoSear #NarcTalk #ANOA #LawEnforcement #GunSquad #PhoenixPD #ShortBarreledRifle #TrueCrime #PublicSafety #PoliceTraining #ArizonaHIDTA #Glock21 #ATF

    We Tested Illegal Street Switches on the Police Range! (Crime Guns Part 1)
  6. Jul 18

    Inside the Cartel Logistics Network: How Supply Chains Feed America's Habit

    How does cartel infighting in Mexico directly dictate the safety, street prices, and drug purity on Arizona streets? In Episode 4 of Narc Talk, veteran law enforcement hosts Phil Hawk and Matt Shea break down the complex supply chain of international drug trafficking organizations (DTOs) and their massive footprint in the Southwest. Discover the operational differences between a "Source State" (like Arizona) and a "Demand State" (like Illinois, Michigan, or New York). Phil and Matt explain how Metro Phoenix acts as a primary commercial distribution hub—operating exactly like a major airline hub or logistics company like UPS. They dive into the reality of localized cartel "Plaza Bosses," the security protocol of hidden stash houses, and the highly dangerous illicit market shift toward extreme analogs like Carfentanil, which recently triggered a massive 100,000-pill seizure right here in Chandler, Arizona. Whether you are in local law enforcement, an intelligence analyst, a public policy advocate, or a concerned citizen tracking neighborhood crime, this episode uncovers the real logistical side of the modern war on drugs. Subscribe to Narc Talk for elite law enforcement insights 🤝 SUPPORT FRONT-LINE LAW ENFORCEMENT TRAINING The Arizona Narcotic Officers Association (ANOA) is dedicated to providing high-level training, resources, and scholarships to investigators and frontline officers across the state and country. Support the mission by making a tax-deductible donation today: 👉 Donate Here: https://aznoa.org/make-a-donation #CartelLogistics #SinaloaCartel #DrugEnforcement #ANOA #SourceState #PublicSafety #TrueCrime #Carfentanil #StashHouse #LawEnforcement #ArizonaCrime #NarcTalk

    Inside the Cartel Logistics Network: How Supply Chains Feed America's Habit
  7. Jul 18

    The Real Reason Fentanyl Users Stopped Swallowing Pills

    Why is fentanyl sold as a pill if most users are smoking it? In Episode 3 of Narc Talk, hosts Phil Hawk and Matt Shea break down the dark chemistry, cartel logistics, and shifting consumer trends of the fentanyl epidemic in Arizona. Drawing from their deep backgrounds in the Phoenix Police Department, DEA task forces, and the Maricopa County Sheriff's Office (MCSO), Phil and Matt expose how the Sinaloa and CJNG cartels pivoted from Mexican heroin poppy fields to synthetic fentanyl labs. They explain the dangerous anatomy of the counterfeit blue "M30" oxycodone tablet, the lethal reality of the "two-milligram" dose, and why the market is experiencing a massive sea change toward powdered "Fetty Rock." This episode provides crucial intelligence for law enforcement officers, emergency responders, and community leaders tracking modern drug enforcement, local street prices, and substance abuse trends in the Southwest. Subscribe to Narc Talk for more frontline narcotics insights. What trends or operational shifts are you seeing in your jurisdiction? Let us know in the comments below. 🤝 SUPPORT FRONT-LINE LAW ENFORCEMENT TRAINING The Arizona Narcotic Officers Association (ANOA) is dedicated to providing high-level training, resources, and scholarships to investigators and frontline officers across the state and country. Support the mission by making a tax-deductible donation today: 👉 Donate Here: https://aznoa.org/make-a-donation #FentanylCrisis #FentanylEpidemic #DrugEnforcement #ANOA #LawEnforcement #TrueCrime #CartelLogistics #M30Pills #FettyRock #PublicSafety #ArizonaHIDTA #PolicePodcast

    The Real Reason Fentanyl Users Stopped Swallowing Pills
  8. Jul 18

    The Shocking Truth About Black Market Weed (What the Media Won't Tell You)

    What is hands-down the most violent illicit drug sold on the black market today? In this episode of Narc Talk, veteran narcotics investigators Phil Hawk and Matt Shay deliver a shocking answer that completely blindspots the public: Black market marijuana and illicit cannabis. While the media focuses heavily on fentanyl, heroin, and methamphetamine, Arizona homicide, robbery, and violent crime detectives are seeing an unprecedented spike in gun violence, armed rip-offs, and homicides tied directly to illegal marijuana transactions. Phil and Matt leverage their combined decades of experience with the Phoenix Police Department, DEA task forces, and the Maricopa County Sheriff's Office (MCSO) to break down the physics of this black market boom. They expose how high-grade, indoor-grown weed has skyrocketed from 4% THC "Chech & Chong" commercial weed up to 30% plant potency, with distilled THC oils reaching 95% purity and more. Subscribe to the Narc Talk Podcast to stay ahead of modern drug trends. The Arizona Narcotic Officers Association (ANOA) is dedicated to providing high-level training, resources, and scholarships to investigators and frontline officers across the state and country. Support the mission by making a tax-deductible donation today: Donate Here: https://aznoa.org/make-a-donation #DrugEnforcement #ANOA #MarijuanaBlackMarket #LawEnforcement #PublicSafety #TrueCrime #SocialMediaCrime #PhoenixPD #MCSO #ArizonaHIDTA #PolicePodcast #GlockSwitch

    The Shocking Truth About Black Market Weed (What the Media Won't Tell You)
  9. Jul 4

    Introducing Narc Talk Podcast - An ANOA Production

    Welcome to the debut episode of the Narc Talk Podcast, an ANOA (Arizona Narcotic Officers Association) Production. In this introductory episode, veteran investigators Phil Hawk and Matt Shea sit down to share their backgrounds and lay out the roadmap for the series. Together, Phil and Matt bring nearly 60 years of frontline law enforcement experience to the microphone, ranging from the Phoenix Police Department and the Maricopa County Sheriff's Office (MCSO) to elite federal task forces with the DEA and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI). Listeners will get an inside look at how ANOA’s 650+ members—including street cops, federal agents, military personnel, and prosecutors—work together to track illicit narcotics, human trafficking networks, and complex money laundering schemes. Phil and Matt also discuss their history working on massive, headline-grabbing cases like the Sammy "The Bull" Gravano investigation, the Phoenix Serial Shooter, and dismantling clandestine meth labs. Moving forward, Narc Talk will dedicate each episode to breaking down a pressing question from the field. While built as a powerful tactical resource for Arizona law enforcement, this podcast is also designed for parents, educators, and community leaders looking to understand the modern drug crisis, social media safety for youth, and addiction prevention. Hit that follow button to stay informed on the realities of modern drug enforcement. 🤝 SUPPORT FRONT-LINE LAW ENFORCEMENT TRAINING The Arizona Narcotic Officers Association (ANOA) is dedicated to providing high-level training, resources, and scholarships to investigators and frontline officers across the state and country. Support the mission by making a tax-deductible donation today: 👉 Donate Here: https://aznoa.org/make-a-donation Have a question or a topic you want covered? Email us at podcast@aznoa.org or visit our website at aznoa.org.

    Introducing Narc Talk Podcast - An ANOA Production

About

A podcast for cops. Welcome to the Narc Talk Podcast. Produced by the Arizona Narcotic Officers Association (ANOA), this podcast goes behind the yellow tape to deliver essential, real-world education on narcotics trafficking right here in Arizona. From the front lines of the fentanyl crisis to the shifting strategies of dangerous drug cartels, we dive deep into the substances impacting our communities and the true violence that surrounds them. Whether you are in law enforcement, a community leader, or a concerned citizen, Narc Talk brings you the raw facts, expert insights, and critical awareness needed to understand and combat the drug epidemic. Connect with us at podcast@aznoa.org.