Jose Manuel Arellano-Noriega, a 37-year-old Mexican national residing in Phoenix, was apprehended on Monday and charged with possession with the intent to distribute more than 400 grams of fentanyl. The arrest followed an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Phoenix East Valley Drug Enforcement Task Force.

According to the complaint, agents observed Arellano-Noriega driving a red Fiat 500 at a speed of approximately 55 miles per hour in a 45 mile per hour zone near 43rd Avenue and McDowell Road in Phoenix. This traffic violation prompted investigators to conduct a stop. During the stop, Arellano-Noriega was identified through his Mexican passport. A police canine performed an open-air sniff of the vehicle and indicated the presence of narcotics.

Upon searching the vehicle, investigators discovered a black backpack containing a black semi-automatic 9mm handgun with a loaded magazine. In a post-Miranda interview, Arellano-Noriega admitted ownership of the handgun and disclosed that he possessed significant quantities of fentanyl pills and powder at his apartment. He provided both verbal and written consent for investigators to search his residence, detailing the locations of these substances.

The search led to the seizure of seven bricks weighing over 7,800 grams of white powdery substance that tested positive for fentanyl. Additionally, around 100,000 blue pills weighing approximately 12,146 grams were found and also tested positive for fentanyl.

Possession with intent to distribute more than 400 grams of fentanyl carries severe penalties, including a mandatory minimum sentence of ten years to life imprisonment and fines up to $10 million.

It is important to note that a criminal complaint serves as an accusation method without implying guilt. Individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond reasonable doubt by evidence presented before a jury.

The DEA Phoenix East Valley Drug Enforcement Task Force led this investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Stuart Zander from the District of Arizona in Phoenix is overseeing prosecution efforts.