Attorney General Kris Mayes has announced that a Pima County Grand Jury indicted Baltazar Quintero Bueno and Dalia Rodriguez De-Padilla on multiple felony charges related to the sale and possession of over 75 pounds of fentanyl pills in Tucson last year.
The indictment, issued on January 2, 2025, includes 13 felony offenses against Bueno and three against De-Padilla. These charges stem from activities between May and December 2024 in southern Arizona. On December 23, 2024, Bueno was arrested by the Arizona Department of Public Safety for transporting 4.65 pounds of fentanyl pills with intent to sell and possessing a small amount of cocaine. A search warrant executed at his residence led to the seizure of 73.3 pounds of fentanyl pills, along with other drugs including fentanyl powder and methamphetamine. Detectives also found $5,000 in cash and three pistols.
Both individuals face charges for conspiracy and illegally conducting an enterprise due to their alleged drug dealing activities. Additionally, they are charged with selling fentanyl pills on two occasions: May 28, 2024 (2.45 pounds) and June 11, 2024 (2.25 pounds).
The arraignment took place on January 9, 2025, where both defendants pled not guilty. The Arizona Department of Public Safety conducted the investigation while Assistant Attorney General Sabrina Lochner will handle prosecution. It is important to note that all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in court.