Eduardo Valenzuela Lopez, 33, of Cajeme, Sonora, Mexico, and Jael Gonzalez Banuelos, 22, of Phoenix, Arizona, were arrested on February 24, 2026 by Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) agents. The two face charges of conspiring to distribute fentanyl after law enforcement seized approximately 50,000 suspected fentanyl pills.
According to the criminal complaint filed in the District of Arizona, from early February through February 24, Valenzuela Lopez allegedly organized and coordinated the sale and delivery of the pills. Law enforcement became aware of the transaction and attempted to arrest both individuals during the delivery. When agents approached their vehicle, Valenzuela Lopez—who is reportedly in the United States illegally—allegedly fired at officers. Agents returned fire but no injuries or fatalities occurred. Both suspects were taken into custody following the incident.
Investigators reported finding a firearm near the driver’s side of the vehicle used for transporting the pills and recovered about 50,000 fentanyl pills from inside.
A conviction for possessing more than 400 grams of fentanyl with intent to distribute carries a mandatory minimum sentence of ten years in prison and could result in up to life imprisonment. Additional penalties include a fine up to $10 million and supervised release for at least five years.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Arizona is prosecuting this case.
“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,” according to information provided by authorities.
Further details about this case can be found on the U.S. Attorney’s Office website: http://www.justice.gov/usao/az/
