Martha Betancourth Angulo, Possession with Intent to Distribute, Arizona 2023

A massive quantity of narcotics has been seized in Yuma County, Arizona, in a shocking display of the ongoing battle against drug trafficking.

Martha Betancourth Angulo, 34, of Torrance, California, has been indicted on one count each of Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine and Possession with Intent to Distribute Cocaine.

The indictment alleges that on June 29, 2023, Angulo was traveling on Interstate 8 in Yuma County, Arizona, when she was stopped by the Arizona Department of Public Safety. During the encounter, officers found 90 packages hidden within Angulo's vehicle.

Field tests on the contents of the packages revealed the presence of methamphetamine and cocaine. The total weight of the methamphetamine, including packaging, was 112.87 pounds. The total weight of the cocaine, including packaging, was 2.99 pounds.

Angulo's case has sparked widespread concern about the flow of illicit substances into Arizona and the potential harm it poses to the community.

Each count carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison, a fine of up to $1,000,000, and up to lifetime supervised release.

An indictment is simply a method by which a person is charged with criminal activity and raises no inference of guilt. An individual is presumed innocent until evidence is presented to a jury that establishes guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.

The Drug Enforcement Administration, Yuma Office, is conducting the investigation in this case. Assistant United States Attorney Joseph K. Nwoga, District of Arizona, Phoenix, is handling the prosecution.

Source: https://www.justice.gov/usao-az/pr/california-woman-indicted-possessing-more-110-pounds-methamphetamine-and-nearly-three