Mario Guizar-Anchondo, Methamphetamine and Fentanyl Trafficking, New Mexico 2021
Guizar-Anchondo and Lopez-Perez Sentenced for Fentanyl and Methamphetamine Trafficking
In a major blow to the illicit drug trade, two Santa Fe men have been sentenced to federal prison for their roles in a fentanyl and methamphetamine trafficking operation that used social media to advertise and distribute drugs.
According to court documents, Mario Guizar-Anchondo and Werni Lopez-Perez, were found to be using social media to advertise the sale of fentanyl and methamphetamine, and were eventually arrested in December 2021. Officers from the Santa Fe Police Department (SFPD) and the FBI found a loaded firearm, over $18,000 in cash, 635 grams of methamphetamine, and 40 grams of fentanyl pills in their vehicle.
Despite the ongoing investigation, Guizar-Anchondo and Lopez-Perez continued to post about fentanyl pills for sale on social media platforms, even after their arrest. These posts depicted baggies of fentanyl pills similar to those recovered from the vehicle.
Guizar-Anchondo and Lopez-Perez both pleaded guilty to one count each of possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.
Lopez-Perez was sentenced to 80 months in prison, while Guizar-Anchondo was sentenced to 108 months. Upon their release from prison, both men will be subject to 3 years of supervised release.
The investigation, which began in the fall of 2020, was conducted by the SFPD and the FBI's Santa Fe Resident Agency. The case is being prosecuted by the United States Attorney's Office. U.S. Attorney Alexander M.M. Uballez and Raul Bujanda, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI's Albuquerque Field Office, announced the sentencing today.
Guizar-Anchondo's and Lopez-Perez's sentences are a testament to the ongoing efforts to combat the illicit drug trade and bring those responsible to justice. The use of social media to advertise and distribute drugs is a growing concern, and this case highlights the need for continued vigilance and enforcement.
The exact dates of the crime and sentencing are as follows: December 4, 2021, and December 30, 2021, when officers encountered Guizar-Anchondo and Lopez-Perez, and December 8, 2023, when they were sentenced.
The total amount of methamphetamine and fentanyl recovered during the investigation was 1,730 grams of methamphetamine, 32,000 fentanyl pills, and drug paraphernalia.
The sentencing of Guizar-Anchondo and Lopez-Perez serves as a warning to those involved in the illicit drug trade: the consequences of getting caught are severe and long-lasting. The Grimy Times will continue to follow this story and provide updates as more information becomes available.
Key Facts
- State: New Mexico
- Category: Drug Trafficking
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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