Saul Nolasco, Methamphetamine Trafficking, Nevada 2024

Reno, Nevada – In a major blow to the city’s narcotics trade, three individuals have been sentenced to prison for their involvement in a massive methamphetamine trafficking ring.

The defendants, Saul Nolasco, 25, of Lodi, California, Maria Valenzuela, 64, and Xochitl Sanchez-Pacheco, 38, both of Sinaloa, Mexico, each pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute a controlled substance.

According to court documents, the trio conspired to distribute 33 kilograms of methamphetamine into the Reno community from January 20, 2023 to October 8, 2023. Methamphetamine is a Schedule II controlled substance.

Nolasco, who acted as the drug trafficking organization’s ‘boots on the ground’ in Nevada and California, was sentenced to 41 months in prison. He collected and handled cash payments, obtained and stored large quantities of methamphetamine at his house, and distributed large quantities of methamphetamine to various buyers in Reno and elsewhere.

Valenzuela, who conducted multiple drug transactions involving pounds of methamphetamine, was sentenced to 33 months in prison. She was responsible for the delivery of methamphetamine as well as the collection of cash payments of thousands of dollars on behalf of the drug trafficking organization. In November 2023, Valenzuela was caught at the border with her daughter moving 97 pounds of methamphetamine across the U.S.-Mexico border. The van was outfitted with trap compartments used to conceal the drugs.

Sanchez-Pacheco, who delivered large quantities of methamphetamine in both Reno and Modesto, California, was sentenced to 30 months in prison. She collected the money associated with those deliveries, one of which involved $5,500.

The sentencing is a result of a joint investigation by the DEA, Regional Narcotics Unit, Washoe County Sheriff’s Office K-9 Unit, Modesto Police Department, HSI, USMS, Nevada Department of Investigation, and Nevada Highway Patrol.

The case is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation, which identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States.

Acting United States Attorney Sue Fahami for the District of Nevada and Assistant Special Agent in Charge Kevin Adams for the DEA Las Vegas District Office made the announcement.

The fourth co-defendant, Bobby Jo Kissel, 54, pleaded guilty in October 2024 and is awaiting sentencing.

The mandatory facts of this case are as follows:

1. Defendant: Saul Nolasco

2. Exact criminal charges: Conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute a controlled substance

3. City and state: Reno, Nevada

4. EXACT DATE: January 20, 2023 to October 8, 2023 (sentencing date: not specified)

5. Sentence or outcome: 41 months in prison

6. Dollar amounts: N/A

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