John Avendano, 21, of Phoenix, Arizona, has been charged by federal criminal complaint with possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. The charge follows a traffic stop on September 22 by a Task Force Officer from the Drug Enforcement Administration’s (DEA) East Valley Drug Enforcement Task Force.
According to the complaint, Avendano was identified as the driver of a Chevrolet Silverado during the stop. Authorities found a firearm and about 30 pounds of methamphetamine hidden in a black trash bag inside the vehicle. A subsequent search of Avendano’s residence led investigators to over 5 additional pounds of methamphetamine, roughly 250 grams of cocaine, and two more firearms.
The offense carries significant penalties. Possession with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine is punishable by a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years in prison and could lead up to life imprisonment and fines reaching $10 million.
The investigation is part of Operation Take Back America. According to officials, this nationwide initiative uses Department of Justice resources "to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime." The operation consolidates efforts from programs such as Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).
The DEA’s East Valley Drug Enforcement Task Force HIDTA led the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Stuart Zander is prosecuting the case for the District of Arizona in Phoenix.
Officials note that “a criminal complaint is a formal accusation of criminal conduct. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.”
