Last week, a grand jury indicted Edgar Guadalupe Jimenez-Aguilar, an illegal alien residing in Phoenix. The charges include conspiracy to transport illegal aliens and possession with intent to distribute heroin. This follows an investigation by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) along with several law enforcement partners.
Jimenez-Aguilar was identified as a load driver who transported illegal aliens from desert areas in Pinal and Pima Counties to Phoenix. He also operated a stash house in Phoenix and coordinated recruitment of other load drivers.
Francisco B. Burrola, ICE Homeland Security Investigations Arizona Special Agent in Charge, stated: “This indictment highlights the disturbing reality that individuals like Jimenez-Aquilar are prioritizing personal profit over human lives. By trafficking heroin and exploiting vulnerable individuals through illegal smuggling operations, he has shown a blatant disregard for the safety and well-being of others.” Burrola emphasized ICE's commitment to working with law enforcement partners to disrupt such networks.
Between late 2024 and January 2025, agents interviewed arrested load drivers who admitted being recruited by Jimenez-Aguilar. Surveillance was conducted on him and his stash house. On October 3, 2024, officers stopped a vehicle where four passengers were found to be illegally present in the United States.
The driver had been recruited via social media for multiple smuggling ventures and had visited Jimenez-Aguilar’s stash house. On January 28, agents stopped a Jeep Grand Cherokee driven by Jimenez-Aguilar using his Sonoran driver's license; approximately 297 grams of black tar heroin were found inside the vehicle.
Possession with intent to distribute heroin carries penalties ranging from five years up to 40 years in prison along with fines up to $5 million. Conspiracy to transport illegal aliens can result in up to ten years in prison and fines reaching $250,000.
It is important to note that an indictment is merely a charge of criminal activity without implying guilt. A person remains innocent until proven guilty beyond reasonable doubt before a jury.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Vanessa Kubota is handling the prosecution for this case.
Suspicious criminal activities can be reported at any time via the ICE Tip Line at 866-DHS-2-ICE (866-347-2423).
