Mariano Gomez Padilla, Eduardo Garcia Lopez, Abel Martinez Valenzuela, Methamphetamine Conspiracy, Arizona 2025

Three Mexican Nationals Arrested for Methamphetamine Conspiracy in Arizona

PHOENIX, Ariz. – In a major blow to the methamphetamine trade, three Mexican nationals have been arrested and charged with conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute methamphetamine in Arizona.

The suspects, Mariano Gomez Padilla, 28, Eduardo Garcia Lopez, 21, and Abel Martinez Valenzuela, 25, were taken into custody on September 17, 2025, after a daring operation by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) East Valley Drug Enforcement Task Force.

According to the complaint, the suspects were involved in a methamphetamine drug purchase at an apartment complex in Glendale, Arizona. Agents established surveillance at the complex and followed Gomez Padilla and Garcia Lopez as they drove in tandem to another location in Glendale.

During the drive, agents attempted to stop the suspects’ vehicles, but both drivers failed to yield. Garcia Lopez exited his vehicle and fled, but was apprehended after a short foot pursuit. Gomez Padilla also failed to yield and rammed his vehicle into one of the agent’s cars as well as two other vehicles parked on the street, causing significant damage.

Agents searched the vehicles and seized approximately 61.75 pounds of methamphetamine from the car that Garcia Lopez had been driving. An additional 71.75 pounds of methamphetamine was seized from a nearby Ford F-250 associated with the investigation, which was packed identically to the drugs found in Garcia Lopez’s car.

The suspects are facing conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine, a charge that carries a mandatory minimum penalty of 10 years up to life in prison and a fine of up to $10,000,000.

The investigation was conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration Phoenix East Valley Drug Enforcement Task Force HIDTA and the Mesa Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Stuart Zander, District of Arizona, Phoenix, is handling the prosecution.

A criminal complaint is a formal accusation of criminal conduct, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

CASE NUMBER: 25-MJ-8495-PHX-JZB

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