A Mexican drug trafficker was sentenced to 180 months in prison on Tuesday for conspiring to distribute methamphetamine, according to the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Arizona.
Jorge Anaya-Valencia, 48, of Sonora, Mexico, had been illegally residing in Arizona and was recognized as part of a Phoenix-based drug trafficking enterprise in November 2023, according to a press release.
Three other drug trafficking associates of Anaya-Valencia were convicted before him: Jesus Manuel Soto Quihui received a five-year sentence, while Diego Nunez-Aispuri and Ivan Manuel Higuera Torres received 46-month terms.
According to court documents, Anaya-Valencia had 12 removals from the United States and nine “criminal immigration convictions” prior to her sentencing. He was previously convicted of conspiracy to possess hazardous narcotics for sale.
Details of drug trafficker sentencing by Arizona judge
On January 23, 2024, Narcotics Enforcement Administration (DEA) officers assigned to Anaya-Valencia spotted him meeting with Higuera Torres, Soto Quihui, and Nunez-Aispuri for a narcotics transfer.
After allowing the transfer to be completed, the DEA agents pursued the four guys who fled in different vehicles, apprehending and arresting them.
During their search, agents discovered 167 pounds of methamphetamine and two weapons, one in Anaya-Valencia’s glove compartment and the other on the body of Soto Quihui.
The prosecution was led by Travis L. Wheeler of the District of Arizona and Stuart J. Zander, an Assistant United States Attorney.