News Release [printer-friendly version]
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 03, 2009
For Information Contact,
Special Agent Ramona Sanchez
Public Information Officer
(602) 664-5725

Phoenix Methamphetamine Dealer Sentenced to Over 12 Years
in Prison

MAR 03 -- PHOENIX – Manuel Zazueta-Felix, 24, of Culiacan Sinaloa Mexico, was sentenced yesterday by U.S. District Judge David G. Campbell to 12.5 years in federal prison. Zazueta-Felix pleaded guilty on November 18, 2008, to Conspiracy to Possess with the Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine.

In May 2008, Special Agents with the Drug Enforcement Administration in Phoenix began working with counterparts from Colorado to identify a drug supplier in Phoenix. Special agents arrested Zazueta-Felix and three other individuals after they negotiated the sale of methamphetamine. Zazueta-Felix and two other individuals had produced a one pound sample of methamphetamine during the negotiations for the buyers. They were arrested leaving the meeting and agents discovered three additional pounds of methamphetamine in a hidden compartment in the car they were driving. Zazueta-Felix admitted that he had obtained the methamphetamine during a burglary.

Co-defendant Francisco Javier Gonzalez-Beltran was sentenced to 41 months in prison on February17, 2009 after the judge determined he played a lesser role in the offense. The remaining defendants’ sentencing hearings are pending.

The investigation in this case was conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Mesa Police Department. The prosecution was handled by Brian G. Larson, Assistant U.S.Attorney, District of Arizona, Phoenix.

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