TUCSON, Ariz. — A southern Arizona woman was sentenced June 4 to 60 months in prison for drug trafficking. The investigation was conducted by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI); the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; the FBI; the DEA; the U.S. Marshals Service; and the Arizona Department of Public Safety.
“This sentence represents the seriousness of these crimes and serves as an appropriate punishment for those involved in drug trafficking,” said HSI Arizona Special Agent in Charge Francisco B. Burrola. “HSI is determined to apply all the tools in our investigative arsenal alongside our partners to advance this counter-opioid fight. Together we are committed to take every action within our power to save lives.”
Alegria Pompeya Mendoza-Castro, 30, of Tucson, further pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute fentanyl and possession with intent to distribute fentanyl on Nov. 16, 2023.
On April 20, 2023, Mendoza-Castro traveled from Mexico through the DeConcini Port of Entry in Nogales. During the inspection of her vehicle, approximately 453,000 fentanyl-laced pills and 1 kilogram of fentanyl powder were discovered in the spare tire.
This case is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces Strike Force operation. The OCDETF Strike Force Initiative identifies, disrupts and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multiagency approach.
Assistant U.S. Attorney for the District of Arizona in Tucson David Petermann handled the prosecution.
About HSI
HSI is the principal investigative arm of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, responsible for investigating transnational crime and threats, specifically those criminal organizations that exploit the global infrastructure through which international trade, travel and finance move. HSI’s workforce of more than 8,700 employees consists of more than 6,000 special agents assigned to 237 cities throughout the United States, and 93 overseas locations in 56 countries. HSI’s international presence represents DHS’ largest investigative law enforcement presence abroad and one of the largest international footprints in U.S. law enforcement.