ARIZONA NEWS

Arizona man pleads guilty to intent to distribute 115 pounds of fentanyl pills

Dec 15, 2023, 12:30 PM | Updated: 12:58 pm

Fentanyl pills in bags....

An Arizona man pleaded guilty to fentanyl-related charges after he attempted to smuggle the drugs into the country in November 2023. (Arizona Department of Public Safety File Photo)

(Arizona Department of Public Safety File Photo)

PHOENIX — An Arizona man pleaded guilty to fentanyl-related charges after he attempted to smuggle the drugs into the country last month, authorities said.

Nathan Hernandez, 20, of Yuma, pleaded guilty last week to possession with intent to distribute fentanyl, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Arizona said.

His sentencing is scheduled for March 25.

Prosecutors said Hernandez admitted that he entered the country on Nov. 3 through the Port of Entry in San Luis, with just over 115 pounds of fentanyl pills hidden in a secret compartment in his 2020 Dodge Ram.

He also admitted that he intended to deliver the fentanyl to another person.

Hernandez agreed to forfeit the truck he was using to transport the pills as part of his plea deal.

The maximum sentence that a conviction for possession with intent to distribute fentanyl carries is 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $1 million.

Homeland Security Investigations investigated the case.

We want to hear from you.

Have a story idea or tip? Pass it along to the KTAR News team here.

Arizona News

Valley events calendar...

KTAR.com

Valley events calendar: Here’s a rundown of things to do around metro Phoenix

Our Valley events calendar keeps you up to date on the wide variety of activities across the Phoenix area.

28 minutes ago

The evacuation order for the Brady Fire was lifte on Wednesday....

KTAR.com

Evacuation order lifted for residents near Brady Fire south of Prescott

The evacuation order for a community threatened by the Brady Fire south of Prescott was lifted on Wednesday evening, authorities said.

2 hours ago

off-road vehicle crash...

Kevin Stone

2nd teen in off-road vehicle crash at Phoenix canal has died

The second teen involved in an off-road vehicle crash at a Phoenix canal last week has died, authorities announced Wednesday.

3 hours ago

Two men were injured on Wednesday night when a suspect opened fire at a group of unsheltered people...

Kevin Stone

Suspect opens fire at unsheltered people at Tempe park, injuring 3

Three people were injured on Wednesday night when a suspect opened fire at a group of unsheltered people in Tempe, authorities said.

3 hours ago

A confiscated firearm is seen sitting on a table at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport on Feb...

Serena O'Sullivan

Phoenix Sky Harbor hopes to cut down on amount of firearms in security checkpoints this year

Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport officials are trying to educate passengers on how to at properly travel with firearms.

5 hours ago

The Phoenix Zoo announced a new habitat 'Big Cats of Arizona: A Bridge to Arizona Wilderness' will ...

Bailey Leasure

Big cats of Arizona habitat set to open at Phoenix Zoo

The Phoenix Zoo announced a new habitat 'Big Cats of Arizona: A Bridge to Arizona Wilderness' will be opening at the zoo in April. 

5 hours ago

Sponsored Articles

...

Asset Preservation Wealth & Tax

How to optimize the most money in 2024 tax returns

As tax season begins, getting your financials in order is important to maximize your tax return.

...

Bright Wealth Management

How to save money on retirement planning following 2024 election

PHOENIX -- With the 2024 election over, economic changes could impact how people plan for retirement as 2025 is on the horizon.

...

Day & Night Air Conditioning, Heating and Plumbing

Why a Heating Tune-Up is Essential Before Winter

PHOENIX, AZ — With cooler weather on the horizon, making sure your heating system is prepped and ready can make all the difference in staying comfortable this winter.

Arizona man pleads guilty to intent to distribute 115 pounds of fentanyl pills