A Rio Rico man, Peter Vega, has been sentenced by United States District Judge Raner C. Collins to 180 months in prison after pleading guilty to Possession with Intent to Distribute Fentanyl, Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine, and Conspiracy to Launder a Monetary Instrument on March 19, 2024.
Vega’s prison sentence is to be followed by five years of supervised release.
Vega was the leader of a drug trafficking organization that distributed methamphetamine and fentanyl throughout the United States. Vega coordinated the shipment of methamphetamine on at least six occasions from Arizona to the eastern United States using the United States mail. He also coordinated the transportation of approximately 14 kilograms of fentanyl. In addition to shipping and transporting drugs, Vega coordinated the laundering of drug proceeds returning to Arizona by funneling money through multiple bank accounts held by third parties.
Search warrants served on Vega’s house and cell phone revealed evidence of the crimes including drug packaging materials, photos, videos and chats. After being indicted, Vega fled to Mexico. U.S. and Mexican law enforcement located and apprehended Vega in Mexico in January 2023. The Government of Mexico then deported him back to the United States to face charges.