Maria Fernanda Granillo-Velazquez, 21, of Mexico, was arrested and charged with possessing with intent to distribute fentanyl after police found 36.75 kilograms of the deadly opioid in a traffic stop in Pinal County, Arizona.
According to the Phoenix DEA East Valley Drug Enforcement Task Force, a canine trained in detecting narcotics alerted to the presence of narcotics coming from the vehicle during a traffic stop on Interstate 10 on August 18, 2022. A search of the vehicle revealed a concealed compartment in the floorboard underneath the rear seats containing approximately 21 packages of blue pills stamped M30.
The Chandler Police Department laboratory confirmed a sample of the M30 pills contained fentanyl. Investigators seized approximately 36.75 kilograms (approximately 360,000 pills) from the vehicle.
A conviction for possessing with the intent to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl carries a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years in prison and a maximum term of life in prison.
The case is set for trial on November 1, 2022, before United States District Judge John J. Tuchi. Granillo-Velazquez had her initial appearance on August 22, 2022, before United States Magistrate Judge Michael T. Morrissey.
A criminal complaint is merely an allegation of criminal conduct, not evidence. An individual is presumed innocent until evidence is presented to a jury that establishes guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
The Phoenix DEA East Valley Drug Enforcement Task Force and the Pinal County Sheriff’s Office are conducting the investigation in this case, while the United States Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, is handling the prosecution.
Related Federal Cases
- Arizona Man Sentenced to 10.5 Years for Fentanyl Trafficking · Washington
- Angel Valencia-Avendano, Fentanyl Trafficking, Arizona 2023 · Alabama
- Dulce Maria Haros, Fentanyl Distribution, Arizona 2023 · Washington
- John McKernan, Fentanyl Pill Trafficking, Scottsdale AZ, 2023 · Virginia
- James Johnson, Fentanyl Heroin Trafficking, Little Rock AR, 2023 · Arkansas
Key Facts
- State: Arizona
- Category: Drug Trafficking
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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