Arizona man sentenced to 18 years after using child to conceal 23,000 fentanyl pills

PHOENIX — An Arizona man was sentenced last month to 18 years in prison after using a 7-year-old child to conceal 23,000 fentanyl pills, authorities announced.

According to the Yavapai County Sheriff’s Office, 57-year-old Vincent Benny Peraza was sentenced on charges of involving or using a minor in a drug offense and the sale or transportation of narcotic drugs.

On July 13, 2021, a deputy K9 with YCSO conducted a traffic stop on a car, near Cordes Junction, that Peraza was a passenger in. In the car, he was seated next to a 7-year-old child.

According to YCSO, as the occupants were exiting the vehicle, the child was holding a backpack that he told deputies belonged to Peraza.

Inside the backpack, deputies found approximately 23,000 fentanyl pills, which is a deadly quantity of the synthetic opioid.

Police noted that due to minimal exposure to fentanyl being fatal, Peraza giving the backpack to the child put them in imminent danger of death or serious injury.

According to YCSO, further investigation revealed that Peraza was given the backpack as well as a cellphone and instructed to wait for further instruction at a nearby gas station. Police noted that Peraza was also promised $1,000.

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