Man caught with meth, AR-15 rifle during Phoenix traffic stop gets prison time

PHOENIX – A man caught with over 15 pounds of methamphetamine and an AR-15 rifle during a traffic stop in Phoenix was sentenced to five years in prison last week, authorities announced Thursday.

Luis Fernando Gaxiola-Simons previously pleaded guilty to one count each of transportation of a dangerous drug for sale and misconduct involving weapons.

A Maricopa County judge issued the sentence, which included a total fine and surcharge of $5,370, on Sept. 29, according to the Arizona Attorney General’s Office.

What led to man being sentenced on drug and weapon charges?

Gaxiola-Simons was arrested on May 23 by officers who initially pulled him over for a traffic violation. At the time, the AR-15 was in plain view between the passenger seat and center console, according to prosecutors.

Furthermore, Gaxiola-Simons was in possession of three loaded cartridges for the semi-automatic weapon, which had been defaced, prosecutors said.

A search of the vehicle uncovered 15.54 pounds of meth in 15 burrito-shaped packages.

“In addition to fentanyl and carfentanil, we’re stopping an increasing number of transnational drug traffickers transporting methamphetamine and cocaine through Arizona,” state Attorney General Kris Mayes said in a press release.

“My criminal division remains laser-focused on prosecuting individuals responsible for the scourge of drugs coming over our southern border. If you are trafficking drugs through Arizona, you will be found and you will be held accountable.”

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