Phoenix man sentenced on drug trafficking, child sex charges

PHOENIX — A Phoenix man will spend about 20 years in prison plus lifetime probation for drug trafficking and child-sex-related charges, Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes announced on April 16.

Adam Clift was given seven years in prison for drug trafficking and 12-and-a-half years in prison plus lifetime probation for two counts of sexual exploitation of a minor.

Clift admits to selling narcotics after the COVID-19 pandemic

In October 2023, the United States Postal Inspection Service (USPIS) in Phoenix learned that a dark web/Telegram vendor mailed parcels in Phoenix by using the vendor names “The Collective” and “Safeway,” operated by Clift.

Officials said that USPIS intercepted 10 packages mailed to various states, including Texas, North Carolina, Ohio and Utah. Meth was found in these packages, Mayes said.

On May 8, 2024, a search warrant was executed at Clift’s residence, and police found meth, psychedelics, mephedrone, cocaine, ketamine, MDA, MDMA, heroin and methamphetamine/fentanyl pills.

Police also found multiple cell phones, laptops, computers, packaging materials, a scale, a heat sealer and a vacuum machine, Mayes said.

Clift admitted to selling narcotics and started doing it after the COVID-19 pandemic.

He reportedly used the dark web and primarily sold meth using the name “Safeway”.

Mayes said Clift admitted to accepting bitcoin or other cryptocurrency payments.

Clift was indicted 12 days later 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”.

Mayes said he pleaded guilty to transporting meth and was sentenced to seven years in prison.

Child sexual abuse material found on Clift’s laptop

On May 8, 2024, USPIS found multiple videos of child sexual abuse material on Clift’s laptop.

He was indicted on April 7, 2025, for 10 counts of sexual exploitation of a minor and a dangerous crime against children.

On March 10, he pleaded guilty to one count of sexual exploitation of a minor, two counts of attempted sexual exploitation of a minor and a dangerous crime against children.

He was sentenced to 12-and-a-half years in prison plus lifetime probation for two counts of sexual exploitation of a minor.

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