A Mexican national has been sentenced to 60 months in prison for his role in a methamphetamine conspiracy that saw over 100 pounds of the illicit substance intercepted by law enforcement agents in Arizona.
Armando Puentes-Melendez, 38, of Mexico, was sentenced on April 24, 2025, by United States District Judge Scott H. Rash to 60 months in prison. Puentes-Melendez previously pleaded guilty to Conspiracy to Distribute Methamphetamine.
The investigation, which was part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative aimed at combating cartels and transnational criminal organizations, began on January 18, 2024, when law enforcement agents intercepted a drug transaction involving over 100 pounds of methamphetamine.
Puentes-Melendez and two co-conspirators met with an undercover agent in Phoenix to facilitate the drug deal. While the methamphetamine was being retrieved from a nearby stash house, Puentes-Melendez discussed potential future drug transactions with the undercover agent.
Once law enforcement confirmed the drugs were en route, agents moved in and arrested Puentes-Melendez and his co-conspirators.
The Drug Enforcement Administration and Homeland Security Investigations conducted the investigation in this case. The United States Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, Tucson, handled the prosecution.
CASE NUMBER: CR24-00681-TUC-SHR
RELEASE NUMBER: 2025-069_Puentes-Melendez
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- Urbana Man Convicted of Methamphetamine Conspiracy, Urbana IL, 2023 · Arizona
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Key Facts
- State: Arizona
- Category: Drug Trafficking
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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