A Mexican national was arrested in Phoenix, Arizona, after being found with a substantial amount of methamphetamine and firearms, according to a Department of Justice press release. Jose Ismael Castro Leon, 47, faces charges of possession with the intent to distribute methamphetamine and fentanyl following a DEA-led operation that took place last week.
Investigators with the DEA’s East Valley Drug Enforcement Task Force had been tipped off about a drug transaction occurring in a Phoenix parking lot on September 22. Established surveillance captured Castro Leon, the driver of a GMC Acadia, displaying the contents of a black duffle bag from his trunk to another individual, later leading to his arrest. Along with approximately 56 pounds of methamphetamine from the bag, a firearm was also found by the investigators in the center console of the vehicle. Charged with a federal criminal complaint, Castro Leon apparently lived in the United States illegally.
Further investigation led authorities to Castro Leon's apartment, where an additional 34 pounds of methamphetamine were found, as well as roughly 1.14 kilograms of fentanyl powder and a second firearm. The release clarifies that possession with the intent to distribute significant quantities of either drug can result in a mandatory minimum sentence ranging from 10 years to life in prison, along with potential fines of up to $10,000,000 per offense.
This case is a segment of the broader initiative titled Operation Take Back America – an effort focused on combating illegal immigration and dismantling cartels and transnational criminal organizations. According to the Justice Department's release, Operation Take Back America aims to "repel the invasion of illegal immigration" and heralds a collective push for the security of local communities. Assistant U.S. Attorney Stuart Zander, of the District of Arizona, Phoenix, manages the prosecution in Castro Leon's case.
The investigation that culminated in the recent arrest was conducted by the DEA’s Phoenix East Valley Drug Enforcement Task Force HIDTA. The above facts are subject to court proceedings, as a criminal complaint is but an accusation. Castro Leon, like all defendants, is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. CASE NUMBER: 25-MJ-9413-PHX-ESW.
