A Vancouver, Washington resident has been sentenced to 10 years in prison for drug and gun trafficking. Acting U.S. Attorney Teal Luthy Miller announced the sentencing of Juan Onofre Flores Carrillo, aged 49, by Chief U.S. District Judge David G. Estudillo in Tacoma's U.S. District Court.
Flores Carrillo and his co-defendant Jesus Daniel Valenzuela Ayala were apprehended in March 2024 after law enforcement raided their stash house. Authorities seized over seven pounds of fentanyl, 43 pounds of methamphetamine, and an assault rifle with a grenade launcher during the raid.
Judge Estudillo stated at the sentencing hearing: “These controlled substances create significant problems for the community. There are individuals who overdose and die from these substances and those who don’t become addicted and become a drain on everyone.”
According to court documents, Flores Carrillo was identified as a major fentanyl pill dealer in early 2023. Over a year-long investigation involving confidential informants, law enforcement conducted several significant drug purchases from him. Among these transactions were sales of 3,000 fentanyl pills and a kilogram of crystal methamphetamine to an informant.
Additionally, Flores Carrillo sold high-powered firearms to the informant on two occasions: an AR-type "ghost gun" without a serial number and a Norinco Mak-90 rifle.
In January and February 2024, authorities pinpointed the stash house where Flores Carrillo stored his drugs. He continued selling heroin and fentanyl until his arrest on March 13, 2024, after agreeing to sell 10,000 fentanyl pills.
Flores Carrillo pleaded guilty on November 13, 2024, to conspiracy to distribute controlled substances and using a firearm during drug trafficking crimes.
Prosecutors argued for a ten-year sentence due to the inherent dangers posed by firearms in drug trafficking activities: “Firearms are a tool of the drug trade...the danger...comes not only from the effect of drugs on users but from the violence associated with drug trafficking.” Judge Estudillo noted that “If there’s firearms involved [in drug trafficking], violence could occur among drug dealers and innocent people could get hurt."
Valenzuela Ayala was arrested as he was found alone at the stash house during the raid. He received a seven-year prison sentence. Both men are Mexican citizens facing likely deportation post-incarceration.
The case was investigated by multiple agencies including the FBI, Vancouver Police Department, Clark County Sheriff’s Office Special Investigation Unit, and ICE HSI. Assistant United States Attorneys Zachary Dillon and Max Shiner are prosecuting this case.