U.S. Attorney Dena J. King | U.S. Department of Justice
Adrian Arroyo-Trujillo, a 32-year-old Mexican national, has been sentenced to 15 years in prison for drug trafficking and immigration offenses. This was announced by Dena J. King, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina. Arroyo-Trujillo received a sentence of 180 months for possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and an additional 24 months for illegal re-entry by a deported alien, both sentences to be served concurrently.
The investigation into Arroyo-Trujillo began in August 2022 when Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and the Union County Sheriff’s Office suspected him of drug trafficking activities. Surveillance of his residence suggested he was operating a methamphetamine conversion lab. Evidence indicated that he had received liquid methamphetamine concealed in tires delivered to his home.
On September 12, 2022, law enforcement stopped a vehicle driven by Arroyo-Trujillo. Inside the vehicle, they discovered a bookbag containing 12 bags of crystal methamphetamine weighing a total of 10.89 kilograms on the rear driver-side floorboard. They also found money order transfer receipts to Mexico, a customs receipt from Laredo, Texas, four cell phones, and a drug ledger. Forensic analysis of the cellphones revealed evidence consistent with drug trafficking.
A search warrant executed at Arroyo-Trujillo's residence on September 13, 2022, uncovered a black Anderson AM-15 multi-caliber rifle with magazines and ammunition. Additionally, authorities found liquid methamphetamine, processed crystal methamphetamine, and items indicative of an operational clandestine methamphetamine conversion lab.
The investigation further revealed that Arroyo-Trujillo was an illegal alien who had previously been deported from the United States.
U.S. Attorney King praised HSI and the Union County Sheriff’s Office for their efforts in investigating this case. The prosecution was handled by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Thomas Kent and Kenny Smith from the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Charlotte.
