Attorney General Mayes Announces Multiple Prison Sentences for Phoenix Man on Charges of Drug Trafficking and Sexual Exploitation of a Minor
PHOENIX – Attorney General Kris Mayes announced today that Adam Clift was sentenced to prison for 7 years on drug trafficking charges, and 12.5 years followed by lifetime supervised probation with sex offender terms on two counts of sexual exploitation of a minor. The sentences are the result of two separate indictments. Mr. Clift was sentenced in Maricopa County Superior Court on April 9, 2026.
“Trafficking methamphetamine and other illicit drugs across state lines is a serious crime, but possessing child sexual abuse material is unconscionable,” said Attorney General Mayes. “My office will never stop fighting to hold offenders like Adam Clift accountable. We will not tolerate those who harm our communities and exploit children."
Drug Trafficking Case
Beginning in October 2023, the United States Postal Inspection Service (USPIS) in Phoenix learned of a dark web/Telegram vendor mailing parcels out of Phoenix, Arizona using the vendor names "The Collective" and/or "Safeway," operated by Adam Clift. USPIS intercepted approximately ten packages mailed to various states including Texas, North Carolina, Ohio, and Utah. Each package contained various amounts of methamphetamine.
On May 8, 2024, a search warrant was executed at Clift's residence. Police located one pound of methamphetamine, and several grams each of 2C-B (a psychedelic drug), mephedrone, cocaine, ketamine, MDA, MDMA, heroin, and methamphetamine/fentanyl pills. Police also located multiple cell phones, laptops, computers, packaging materials, a scale, heat sealer, and vacuum machine.
Clift admitted he was engaged in the sale of narcotics and estimated he began selling after the COVID-19 pandemic. He stated he used the dark web under the moniker "Safeway" and primarily sold methamphetamine. He said some days he did not mail anything while on others he sent dozens of packages, depending on buyers. Clift admitted that he accepted payment in bitcoin or other cryptocurrency.
Clift was indicted by the State Grand Jury on May 20, 2024, for Conspiracy, Illegally Conducting an Enterprise, three counts of Transporting or Possessing Dangerous Drugs for Sale, and three counts of Possessing Narcotic Drugs for Sale.
He pled guilty to Transporting Dangerous Drugs (Methamphetamine) for Sale and was sentenced to 7 calendar years in the Arizona Department of Corrections.
This case was investigated by the United States Postal Inspection Service and prosecuted by the Drug and Racketeering Enforcement Section of the Arizona Attorney General's Office.
Sexual Exploitation of a Minor Case
During the May 8, 2024 search of Clift's residence, inspectors from USPIS also analyzed Clift's electronic devices. Upon reviewing his laptop, inspectors discovered videos of child sexual abuse material (CSAM).
Clift was indicted on April 7, 2025, on ten counts of Sexual Exploitation of a Minor, each a Class 2 Felony and a Dangerous Crime Against Children. On March 10, 2026, Clift pleaded guilty to one count of Sexual Exploitation of a Minor (Class 2 Felony) and two counts of Attempted Sexual Exploitation of a Minor (Class 3 Felony), Dangerous Crime Against Children.
On April 9, 2026, Clift was sentenced to 12.5 years in prison to be followed by lifetime supervised probation with sex offender terms on two counts.
This case was investigated by the United States Postal Inspection Service and prosecuted by the Fraud and Special Prosecutions Section of the Arizona Attorney General's Office.