Keivin Crosswell-Cervantes, Fentanyl and Methamphetamine Trafficking, Arizona 2024

PHOENIX, Ariz. – A notorious fentanyl and methamphetamine trafficking ring has been shattered, with the final member of the conspiracy sentenced to prison.

Keivin Crosswell-Cervantes, 27, of Mexico, was sentenced to 17 years in prison by United States District Judge Steven P. Logan on April 29, 2024, for Conspiracy to Distribute Fentanyl and Methamphetamine. Crosswell-Cervantes had pleaded guilty to the charge on May 2, 2023.

Two co-conspirators, Carlos Alberto Castro-Ruiz, 26, of Phoenix, and Alexander Ortega-Islas, 22, of Phoenix, also pleaded guilty to Conspiracy to Distribute Fentanyl and Methamphetamine and were sentenced to 11 years and three months in prison and 12 years in prison, respectively.

The three co-conspirators admitted to delivering approximately 400,000 blue fentanyl pills, approximately 20,000 multi-colored fentanyl pills, and approximately 25 pounds of methamphetamine to undercover officers on September 22, 2022. Law enforcement officers also seized an AK-47-style pistol, a .45 caliber Kimber 1911 semi-automatic pistol with two magazines, and a .45 caliber FN semi-automatic pistol.

This prosecution is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigation, which identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States.

Homeland Security Investigations, Nogales, and the Drug Enforcement Administration, Nogales, conducted the investigation in this case. Assistant United States Attorney Matthew G. Eltringham, District of Arizona, Tucson, handled the prosecution.

CASE NUMBER: CR-22-01295-PHX-SPL. RELEASE NUMBER: 2024-062_Crosswell-Cervantes.

Source: https://www.justice.gov/usao-az/pr/final-member-drug-trafficking-conspiracy-sentenced-fentanyl-and-methamphetamine