Jamaar Charles Samuels, Methamphetamine Distribution, Arizona 2022

Tucson, Arizona, is reeling from the aftermath of a major narcotics bust, as two local distributors have been sentenced to lengthy prison terms for their roles in a methamphetamine and heroin conspiracy.

Jamaar Charles Samuels, 39, of Tucson, Arizona, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Scott H. Rash to 72 months in prison, followed by 36 months of supervised release, on charges of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine. His co-defendant, Patrick Michael La Fever, 60, also of Tucson, received a 97-month prison sentence, coupled with 60 months of supervised release.

Last summer, Judge Rash handed down the initial sentence to La Fever, who pleaded guilty to the conspiracy, which included the distribution of heroin. The prosecution revealed that La Fever’s involvement in narcotics trafficking continued even after his initial arrest in April 2020, when he attempted to smuggle approximately 1.56 kilograms of heroin into the United States from Mexico through the port of entry in Nogales, Arizona.

La Fever’s subsequent arrest in November 2020, during an enforcement operation jointly conducted by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), and the Arizona Department of Public Safety (AZDPS), uncovered a stash of drugs, two firearms, 457 rounds of ammunition, a sword, brass knuckles, and approximately one pound of high explosives. The investigation also implicated Samuels as one of La Fever’s associates, leading to his arrest and the discovery of drugs, over $3,000 in cash, and a stolen firearm.

Customs and Border Protection’s U.S. Border Patrol, HSI, DEA, AZDPS, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives participated in the investigation, with Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael R. Lizano handling the prosecution. The case numbers for the indictments are CR-21-00920-SHR(LCK) and CR-21-03031-SHR(LCK), with release number 2022-098_Samuels.

The sentencing of Samuels and La Fever marks a significant victory in the ongoing battle against narcotics trafficking in Tucson, Arizona. The harsh penalties imposed on these individuals serve as a stark reminder of the severe consequences of engaging in such illicit activities.

For more information on the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/az/. Follow the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, on Twitter @USAO_AZ for the latest news.

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