Miguel Angel Gaytan-Ramirez, 34, a Mexican national residing in Phoenix, has been sentenced to more than 12 ½ years in federal prison for his role in a fentanyl distribution conspiracy, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Arizona.
The investigation began on January 25, 2024, when an undercover Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) agent arranged to purchase 150,000 fentanyl pills (about 15 kilograms) from a member of a drug trafficking organization (DTO) based in Mexico. The DTO instructed the agent to meet in a Phoenix parking lot to complete the deal.
Once at the location, agents identified a Dodge Ram pickup truck, which was occupied by Gaytan-Ramirez. After detaining him, investigators discovered that Gaytan-Ramirez was using a nearby apartment to store narcotics. He consented to a search of the apartment, where authorities seized approximately 34 kilograms (74.9 pounds) of blue fentanyl pills marked “M30,” 8 kilograms (17.6 pounds) of fentanyl powder, and 19 kilograms (41.9 pounds) of cocaine.
Additionally, more than $18,000 in drug proceeds was found in his vehicle and the stash house. Gaytan-Ramirez was sentenced for conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute fentanyl, marking a significant blow to the drug trafficking operation in the region.
