DEA finds 700,000 fentanyl-laced pills hidden in roofing shingles

An investigation led by the Drug Enforcement Administration East Valley Drug Enforcement Task Force resulted in two Arizona men being faced with charges after agents seized about 700,000 blue M30 pills laced with fentanyl, which were hidden in factory-sealed packages of roofing shingles, according to the DEA.

Carlos Rene Montes of Tucson, Ariz., and Miguel Angel Sesma of Phoenix were charged March 11 by federal criminal complaint with conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute fentanyl.

On March 10, DEA Phoenix East Valley Drug Enforcement Task Force investigators observed Montes driving to a Phoenix store parking lot and parking next to Sesma’s white Ford F250. After speaking briefly with Sesma, Montes transferred factory-sealed packages of roofing shingles from his car to Sesma’s car.

After Montes left the parking lot, investigators conducted traffic stops on both vehicles, searched Sesma’s truck and seized about 114 pounds of blue M30 pills laced with fentanyl, which were hidden in the roofing shingles. Sesma and Montes then were arrested.

Montes told investigators he possessed more drugs at his Tucson residence, and investigators searched the residence and seized about 32 pounds of blue M30 pills laced with fentanyl.

Conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute more than 400 grams of fentanyl carries a mandatory minimum penalty of 10 years to life in prison and a fine of up to $10 million.

Photo courtesy of the Drug Enforcement Administration

Date : Jan. 01, 0001