Las Vegas Meth Dealer Sentenced to 15 Years in Prison

     LAS VEGAS, Nev. – Saul Candelorio Gastellum-Sanchez, a local illegal drug dealer, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Lloyd D. George to 15 years in prison and five years of supervised release, announced Daniel G. Bogden, United States Attorney for the District of Nevada.

            Gastellum-Sanchez, aka “Cervancio Perez-Zazueta,” aka “Bartolo Castillo,” aka “Vampiro,” 29, pleaded guilty in May to one count of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine, one count of possession of methamphetamine with the intent to distribute, one count of possession of a firearm during and in relation to a drug trafficking crime, unlawful re-entry of a deported alien, and conspiracy to launder monetary instruments.

            “The defendant was a prolific drug trafficker who was distributing large quantities of methamphetamine and had firearms at hand,” said U.S. Attorney Bogden. “He was a serious threat to public safety and a lengthy sentence of imprisonment was warranted.”

            According to Gastellum-Sanchez’ plea agreement, from about June 1, 2012, to June 20, 2013, Gastellum-Sanchez conspired with six co-defendants to distribute 464 grams of methamphetamine to an undercover officer.  On May 20, 2013, Gastellum-Sanchez purchased an ATV for $11,000 in cash, which were proceeds from the sale of methamphetamine. 

On June19, 2013, a federal search warrant was executed at Gastellum-Sanchez’ residence in Las Vegas, and law enforcement agents recovered over two kilograms of methamphetamine, an AK-47 assault rifle and two semi-automatic handguns.  At the time of the crime, Gastellum-Sanchez was residing unlawfully in the United States and had been previously deported in January 2008.

Four of the co-defendants pleaded guilty and were sentenced to prison, one is a fugitive, and one is pending trial.

           This case was investigated by the DEA, Homeland Security Investigations, IRS Criminal Investigation, and the North Las Vegas Police Department, and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Amber M. Craig.