Arizona drug trafficker, money launderer receives 15 years prison for ties to large operation
Dec 10, 2024, 6:42 PM | Updated: 6:51 pm
A 42-year-old woman from Wittmann, Arizona was sentenced to 15 years in prison for drug trafficking and money laundering. (Pexels photo)
(Pexels photo)
PHOENIX — Last week, an Arizona woman was sentenced to 15 years in prison for charges related to drug trafficking and money laundering, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Arizona announced on Tuesday.
Yvette Porchas-Ochoa, a 42-year-old from Wittmann, which is roughly 20 miles northwest of Peoria, was discovered to be the leader of a Arizona drug operation primarily dealing in cocaine and prescription drugs.
Porras-Ochoa pleaded guilty on the following charges for illegal activity investigated over the past 18 months:
- Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of cocaine.
- Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute prescription controlled substances oxycodone and promethazine-codeine.
- Conspiracy to commit money laundering on Aug. 22.
The investigation, which confirmed Porras-Ochoa’s influence, unveiled the distribution of 884.2 gram of oxycodone, 33,330 units of promethazine-codeine, 4,690 units of alprazolam, 27,200 units of tramadol, 63,900 units of midazolam and 2.96 kilograms of cocaine.
How did the Arizona drug trafficker come to illegally possess and distribute the drugs?
Porras-Ochoa was able to prescribe drugs after receiving authorization from a state-licensed medical practitioner. She then outsourced her drugs to those she recruited at other pharmacies throughout Arizona.
RELATED STORIES
Insight obtained from Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces claimed Porras-Ochoa sold these prescription drugs and cocaine to buyers outside of Arizona.
Money laundering became part of picture after Porras-Ochoa processed drug funds “through real estate transactions.”
United States District Judge Steven P. Logan passed the judgment on Porras-Ochoa.
The case was conducted through collaborations of the Drug Enforcement Administration, Homeland Security Investigations, the United States Postal Service, the Arizona Department of Public Safety and the Phoenix Police Department.
