Rachel C. Hernandez Acting United States Attorney for the District of Arizona | U.S. Attorney for the District of Arizona
Jose Angel Gonzalez-Carrillo from Modesto, California, and Ethyel Aldahyr Ontiveros-Flores from Mazatlan, Mexico, were arrested on June 2, 2025. They face charges of conspiring to distribute over 36 kilograms of fentanyl pills and more than 9 kilograms of fentanyl powder.
The arrests followed an operation where Gonzalez-Carrillo coordinated the sale of approximately 10,000 fentanyl pills in Phoenix, Arizona. Ontiveros-Flores delivered this batch and later delivered over 90,000 additional pills. Both individuals were apprehended after the second delivery. A search of Ontiveros-Flores's property led to the discovery of over 200,000 more fentanyl pills and nine packages of fentanyl powder.
The legal penalties for possessing more than 400 grams of fentanyl with intent to distribute include a minimum sentence of ten years in prison and could extend to life imprisonment. Fines may reach up to $10 million with supervised release terms ranging from five years to life.
It is important to note that a criminal complaint does not imply guilt; defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt by a jury.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America, an initiative aimed at combating illegal immigration and dismantling cartels and transnational criminal organizations. The investigation involves several agencies including the DEA, Homeland Security Investigations, and local police departments. The United States Attorney’s Office in Phoenix is prosecuting the case.
