Carlos Loya-Rodriguez, a 33-year-old resident of Phoenix, Arizona, has been sentenced to 70 months in federal prison for conspiracy to distribute and possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. The sentencing took place on February 19, 2025, in Omaha under Chief United States District Judge Robert F. Rossiter, Jr. Following his imprisonment, Loya-Rodriguez will serve a three-year term of supervised release. Additionally, he is required to forfeit $61,195 in drug proceeds or funds used to facilitate drug trafficking.
The case against Loya-Rodriguez began on January 2, 2024, when law enforcement used an undercover agent to purchase 445.3 grams of methamphetamine from him in Omaha. On February 5 of the same year, officers observed him leaving his residence and committing traffic infractions. A subsequent traffic stop led to the discovery of 419.9 grams of methamphetamine and $20,225 in cash inside his vehicle.
Further investigation on February 5 involved a search of Loya-Rodriguez's residence in Omaha under a warrant. Authorities seized an additional 450 grams of methamphetamine, along with cocaine packaged in multiple baggies totaling 344 grams. Other items confiscated included a scale with suspected drug residue and $40,970 in cash.
The Drug Enforcement Administration and Omaha Police Department conducted the investigation as part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF focuses on identifying and dismantling high-level criminal organizations that pose threats within the United States through a coordinated multi-agency approach.