Federal investigators have charged an Arizona‑based network with fueling a multistate operation that moved methamphetamine and fentanyl from Arizona and Southern California to a Hobbs, New Mexico trafficking ring.
Key players and alleged scheme
According to the Department of Justice, 31‑year‑old Jesus Landeros organized the shipments with assistance from 34‑year‑old Marycruz Perez and Landeros’ mother, 59‑year‑old Josefina Cabrera‑Becerra. The drugs were supplied to 28‑year‑old Cesar Antonio Huerta, alleged leader of the New Mexico ring, who, together with his 24‑year‑old girlfriend Mariela Belen Lechuga, distributed the narcotics locally.
Evidence of the operation
Investigators identified at least 13 suspicious shipments between June and September 2025. U.S. Postal Inspectors intercepted one package on Sept. 11, 2025, in Inglewood, California, containing nearly five pounds of pure methamphetamine.
Financial investigators traced roughly $186,851 in payments sent from Huerta and Lechuga to Landeros, Perez and Cabrera‑Becerra via Cash App, Zelle and other electronic platforms from June 2025 through July 2026. The transfers were often labeled as expenses for “clothes,” “shoes,” “rent,” and “food,” but authorities allege they concealed proceeds from drug shipments.
Additional seizures and charges
During the crackdown, agents intercepted a shipment in Florida that contained methamphetamine and carfentanil‑laced pills, and seized more than 13 pounds of fentanyl and an additional pound of meth in California.
Federal prosecutors have charged Huerta, Lechuga, Landeros, Perez and Cabrera‑Becerra with conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine, conspiracy to distribute fentanyl and conspiracy to commit money laundering. Huerta also faces a charge of felon‑in‑possession of a firearm after investigators say he was carrying a gun during a September traffic stop.
Community impact
The case underscores the ongoing challenge of interstate drug trafficking that exploits ordinary mailing services and digital payment tools. Law‑enforcement officials emphasized the importance of vigilance and cooperation between federal, state and local agencies to protect Arizona and neighboring communities from the harmful effects of these synthetic opioids and stimulants.
Original reporting: azfamily KTVK/KPHO Phoenix (news) — read the source article.
