Two brothers from Mexico, Benito Perez Aguilar and Antonio Perez Aguilar, have been sentenced to prison for their roles in a drug distribution conspiracy that operated in western Washington from 2022 to 2025. The sentencing was announced by First Assistant U.S. Attorney Charles Neil Floyd.
Benito Perez Aguilar, 29, of Kent, Washington, received a sentence of 42 months in prison. His brother Antonio Perez Aguilar, 32, of Mill Creek, Washington, was sentenced last month to four years in prison. Both men were arrested in May 2025 after an investigation led by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). Authorities said the brothers used the alias “Miguel” during their trafficking activities and neither has legal status in the United States.
“These men were moving large amounts of fentanyl pills and powder in our community – they were not small-time dealers,” said First Assistant U.S. Attorney Neil Floyd. “Particularly concerning, Benito Perez Aguilar, while driving impaired, caused a traffic accident on I-5 in n 2017. He remained a fugitive on a state court warrant related to that case, until his federal arrest last year.”
Robert A. Saccone, Special Agent in Charge of the DEA Seattle Field Division commented: “This investigation shut down a significant fentanyl and heroin distribution operation that was putting lives at risk across western Washington. As part of our commitment to a Fentanyl Free America, DEA is committed to disrupting the fentanyl supply chain, reducing the availability of these deadly drugs, and saving American lives. Investigations like this show that DEA and our partners will continue to target the criminal networks responsible for trafficking these deadly drugs and hold those who profit from this poison accountable.”
According to court records, law enforcement searched both brothers’ residences on May 16, 2025. At Benito’s home officers found about 76.5 grams of M-30 pills (a form of counterfeit oxycodone containing fentanyl), over one kilogram of fentanyl powder as well as scales and baggies commonly used for drug distribution; they also seized $20,285 in cash. At Antonio’s residence police recovered nearly two kilograms of M-30 pills; more than eleven kilograms of fentanyl powder; over one kilogram of heroin; and $12,396.
In November Benito Perez Aguilar pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute controlled substances.
Prosecutors requested a five-year sentence for Benito due to both the quantity and danger posed by the drugs involved as well as his prior conduct related to drug trafficking. They cited an incident from December 15, 2017 when he caused a multi-vehicle crash while driving under the influence on I-5 then attempted to flee by offering another driver money for help escaping police. Officers later found heroin and other evidence consistent with drug dealing inside his vehicle after obtaining a search warrant; he subsequently failed to appear at court hearings resulting in an outstanding warrant until his arrest last year.
U.S District Judge Jamal N. Whitehead ordered Benito Perez Aguilar also serve four years supervised release following his prison term but noted he will likely be deported due to his immigration status.
Antonio Perez Aguilar had previously been convicted in state court for purchasing cocaine worth $105,000 and served four months’ imprisonment after being convicted on solicitation charges related to delivery of controlled substances.
The case was investigated by the DEA and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Rachel Yemini.
