A Mexican man, who authorities claim was in Arizona illegally, was detained for allegedly possessing dozens of pounds of meth to distribute.
Jose Ismael Castro Leon, 47, was detained on September 22 in a Phoenix parking lot while allegedly conducting a cocaine trade.
“Investigators with the Drug Enforcement Administration’s (DEA) East Valley Drug Enforcement Task Force learned that a drug transaction was scheduled to take place in a parking lot in Phoenix on September 22. Investigators established surveillance at the location and watched as the driver of a GMC Acadia, later identified as Castro Leon, showed another person the contents of a black duffle bag that he had stored in his trunk,” said a Sept. 29 news release from the United States Attorney’s Office District of Arizona.
That’s when investigators arrived, caught Castro Leon, and recovered over 56 pounds of meth and a firearm. When investigators searched his apartment, they allegedly discovered an additional 34 pounds of meth, over a kilogram of fentanyl powder, and a second gun.
“Possession with the Intent to Distribute 500 Grams or More of Methamphetamine carries a mandatory minimum penalty of 10 years to life in prison, and a fine of up to $10,000,000,” the news release said. “Possession with the Intent to Distribute 400 Grams or More of Fentanyl carries a mandatory minimum penalty of 10 years to life in prison, and a fine of up to $10,000,000.”