Quantcast

Mexican national sentenced to prison for drug trafficking and immigration offenses

LEGAL NEWSLINE

Thursday, January 16, 2025

Mexican national sentenced to prison for drug trafficking and immigration offenses

Attorneys & Judges
Webp 7sj6q13fn3xlugl2d9cqtcvllr7i

U.S. Attorney Dena J. King | U.S. Department of Justice

Adrian Arroyo-Trujillo, a 32-year-old Mexican national, has been sentenced to 15 years in prison for drug trafficking and immigration offenses. The sentencing was announced by Dena J. King, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina. Arroyo-Trujillo received a 180-month sentence for possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and an additional 24 months for illegal re-entry as a deported alien, both to be served concurrently.

The investigation into Arroyo-Trujillo began in August 2022 when Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and the Union County Sheriff’s Office suspected him of drug trafficking activities. Surveillance suggested that he operated a methamphetamine conversion lab at his residence, where liquid methamphetamine was reportedly delivered hidden inside tires.

On September 12, 2022, law enforcement stopped a vehicle driven by Arroyo-Trujillo and discovered a bookbag containing approximately 10.89 kilograms of crystal methamphetamine on the rear driver-side floorboard. Additional items found included money order transfer receipts to Mexico, a customs receipt from Laredo, Texas, four cell phones, and a drug ledger. A forensic analysis of the cellphones revealed evidence consistent with drug trafficking.

A search warrant executed at his residence on September 13 led to the discovery of firearms including an Anderson AM-15 multi-caliber rifle with magazines and ammunition. Authorities also found liquid methamphetamine and other materials indicative of an active clandestine methamphetamine lab.

Further investigation confirmed that Arroyo-Trujillo had previously been deported from the United States as an illegal alien.

U.S. Attorney King acknowledged the efforts of HSI and the Union County Sheriff’s Office in investigating this case. The prosecution was handled by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Thomas Kent and Kenny Smith from Charlotte's U.S. Attorney’s Office.

ORGANIZATIONS IN THIS STORY

More News