Rachel C. Hernandez Acting United States Attorney for the District of Arizona | U.S. Attorney for the District of Arizona
Carlos Rene Montes, a 32-year-old U.S. citizen from Tucson, and Miguel Angel Sesma, a 30-year-old legal permanent resident from Mexico residing in Phoenix, face federal charges for conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute fentanyl. The charges follow the seizure of approximately 700,000 blue M30 pills from Sesma’s truck and Montes’ residence.
The criminal complaint details events on March 10, 2025, when investigators from the DEA Phoenix East Valley Drug Enforcement Task Force observed Montes in a Jeep Grand Cherokee meeting Sesma in a white Ford F250 at a Phoenix store parking lot. After a brief conversation, Montes transferred factory-sealed roofing shingles packages to Sesma's truck bed.
Subsequent traffic stops were conducted on both vehicles by EVDETF investigators. A canine unit from the Mesa Police Department detected narcotics in the Ford F250. Upon searching the vehicle, investigators found approximately 52 kilograms (114 pounds) of blue M30 pills laced with fentanyl hidden within the roofing shingles. Both men were arrested following these discoveries.
Montes later informed investigators about additional drugs at his Tucson residence. A consensual search led to the seizure of approximately 14.68 kilograms (32 pounds) of blue M30 pills containing fentanyl.
The charge of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute more than 400 grams of fentanyl carries severe penalties, including a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years to life imprisonment and fines up to $10 million.
It is important to note that a criminal complaint is merely an accusation and does not imply guilt. Individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond reasonable doubt in court.
The investigation was conducted by the DEA East Valley Drug Enforcement Task Force with contributions from several local law enforcement agencies including Mesa Police Department and Gilbert Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Stuart Zander is prosecuting the case.