Aaron Wilkie Murphy, 51, and Hong Thoa Thi Nguyen, 33, have been arrested and are now in federal custody after appearing before a judge in Texas. The couple, who had fled before their indictments, was captured in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, with the help of U.S. law enforcement and Mexican authorities, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Oklahoma announced Monday.
Murphy was indicted in June 2023 on charges related to fentanyl and methamphetamine trafficking, including possession with intent to distribute and maintaining a drug-involved residence. His crimes allegedly began in March 2022 when he was involved in drug distribution in Tulsa, Oklahoma.
Nguyen, indicted separately in December 2023, faces charges of drug conspiracy and maintaining a drug-involved residence in Tulsa. Court documents reveal she was allegedly involved in distributing cocaine and assisting in running a drug operation.
The arrests underscore the collaboration between U.S. and Mexican authorities in combating cross-border drug trafficking. DEA officials praised the cooperation, which helped ensure the capture of the suspects.
“If convicted, Murphy faces 30 years to life in prison, while Nguyen faces 10 years to life,” the U.S. Attorney’s office stated.
