The Phoenix Police Department and the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) have arrested four men in connection with the distribution large quantities of fake M30 pills, fentanyl powder, methamphetamine and heroin in the greater Phoenix area.
The Maricopa County Attorney’s Office has charged the following suspects:
- Victor Manuel Vargas, age 37, with five counts including possession of narcotic drugs for sale, possession of dangerous drugs for sale, and misconduct involving weapons
- Carlos Manuel Munoz-Garcia, age 19, with 1 count of possession of narcotic drugs for sale
- Damien Roman Escobar, age 21, with three counts including possession of dangerous drugs for sale and misconduct involving weapons
- Jake Aldaco, age 28, with two counts to include possession of dangerous drugs for sale and possession of narcotic drugs for sale
The investigation into the drug trafficking group culminated on February 7th, 2022, after investigators served three search warrants in Phoenix, Arizona.
Approximately 375,000 M30 pills, suspected to contain fentanyl, over two kilograms of powder cocaine, one kilo of powder suspected to be fentanyl, 190 pounds of methamphetamine, three pounds of heroin, seven firearms, five vehicles, 12 pounds of marijuana, and over $70,000 were seized.
The warrants were served at three addresses all within the West Phoenix/Maryvale area and Avondale.
The four men were booked into the county jail and had their initial appearance days after their arrest in Maricopa County Superior Court. Officers from Maryvale-Estrella Mountain Precinct NET assisted with the execution of the warrants.