PHOENIX, Ariz. – On September 17, Mariano Gomez Padilla, 28, Eduardo Garcia Lopez, 21, and Abel Martinez Valenzuela, 25, all Mexican nationals residing in Arizona, were charged by federal criminal complaint with Conspiracy to Possess with the Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine.
According to the complaint, DEA East Valley Drug Enforcement Task Force agents set up surveillance at a Glendale apartment complex. Gomez Padilla and Garcia Lopez were followed as they drove together to another location in Glendale. Attempting to stop their vehicles, both drivers fled; Garcia Lopez was apprehended following a chase, while Gomez Padilla rammed into several vehicles before being caught.
Agents seized 61.75 pounds of meth from Garcia Lopez’s car and an additional 71.75 pounds from a Ford F-250. The drugs were identical in packaging. Charges for Conspiracy to Possess with the Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine carry a mandatory minimum penalty of 10 years up to life in prison and a fine of up to $10,000,000.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America, an initiative aimed at eliminating cartels and protecting communities from crime. The DEA Phoenix East Valley Drug Enforcement Task Force HIDTA and the Mesa Police Department conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Stuart Zander is handling the prosecution.
A criminal complaint is a formal accusation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in court. CASE NUMBER: 25-MJ-8495-PHX-JZB, RELEASE NUMBER: 2025-153_Gomez Padilla, et al.
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Key Facts
- State: Arizona
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Drug Trafficking|Organized Crime
- Source: Official Source ↗
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