PHOENIX — Two men were arrested on Wednesday in connection with drug sales in Scottsdale, authorities said.

Matsemala Zuzu Moloi, 31, and Luke Asher McConnell, 26, were arrested following a monthslong investigation into drug sales in downtown Scottsdale, according to the Scottsdale Police Department.

According to court documents, McConnell faces charges of possession of a narcotic drug for sale, possession of a dangerous drug for sale, possession or use of a weapon in a drug offense and second-degree money laundering.

Meanwhile, Moloi is facing multiple charges, including three counts of transporting a narcotic drug for sale, three counts of possession of a narcotic drug for sale, three counts of second-degree money laundering, two counts of use of electronic communication to facilitate a drug transaction,  possession of a dangerous drug for sale, possession of a weapon by a prohibited person and possession or use of a weapon in a drug offense.

Why were the 2 men arrested in connection with drug sales in Scottsdale?

After an undercover detective purchased cocaine from Moloi multiple times between May and August, a traffic stop was conducted on his vehicle in the area of 44th Street and Thomas Road and Moloi was arrested.

At the time of his arrest, Moloi allegedly had a few grams of field-tested cocaine in his pockets.

In addition, court documents said that police found multiple bags of field-tested ketamine and a drug called “Tusi,” also known as “pink cocaine.”

Detectives also served a search warrant at Moloi’s apartment in Scottsdale.

Police seized the following from his apartment bedroom or bedroom closet:

  • $45,160
  • 0.35 pounds of suspected psilocybin mushroom
  • 30 grams of field-tested cocaine
  • 112 grams of field-tested ketamine
  • 117 grams of of suspected amphetamine pills
  • 6 grams of suspected MDMA
  • one pistol.

Police also reportedly found hundreds of clear plastic baggies, digital scales and a money counter.

While serving the search warrant, police also arrested McConnell.

In McConnell’s room, detectives allegedly found a tackle box on his dresser which contained 96 grams of field-tested ketamine, 53 grams of suspected methamphetamine pills, 44.5 grams of field-tested cocaine, 20 grams of MDMA and two suspected DMT vape cartridges.

According to court documents, there was also hundred of of clear plastic baggies and $2,320 next to the tackle box.

Plus, police identified two handguns in a hallway closet.

While being interviewed, McConnell reportedly denied that the tackle box was his or any knowledge of what was inside of it.

However, during a consented search of his phone, detectives allegedly found text messages where McConnell would arrange meetings for vague items and then receive Apple Cash payments of hundreds of dollars.

Meanwhile, Moloi refused to speak with police.

Moloi is being held on a $250,000 bond and McConnell is being held on a $100,000 bond.

This is an updated version of a story originally published on August 16, 2025. 

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