ARIZONA NEWS

3 men accused of conspiring to sell large amounts of meth in Arizona

Oct 30, 2024, 10:08 AM | Updated: 10:10 am

Arizona drug ring...

Methamphetamine is produced in a variety of forms, including powder, crystal, rocks and tablets. (U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency Photo)

(U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency Photo)

PHOENIX – Three men were recently arrested for their alleged involvement in a southern Arizona drug ring, federal authorities announced Tuesday.

Jose Gracia-Vega, 28, of Tucson, Ulises Yescas-Garcia, 23, of Tucson and Sebastian Higuera-Fuentes, 22, of Nogales, Mexico, are accused of conspiring to sell large amounts of methamphetamine in Tucson since February, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Arizona.

Methamphetamine, or meth, is a powerful and highly addictive stimulant that is often produced, or “cooked,” in crude labs using store-bought chemicals, according to the Department of Justice. The illegal drug is sold in a variety of forms, including powder, crystal, rocks and tablets.

Gracia-Vega allegedly was in possession of 27 pounds of meth he intended to sell when he was arrested as part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) Strike Force operation on Oct. 17, prosecutors said.

According to a federal criminal complaint, the other two men supplied Gracia-Vega with the drugs in a meeting that morning.

What charges do Arizona drug ring suspects face?

Gracia-Vega was charged with intent to distribute methamphetamine the day after his arrest.

Yescas-Garcia and Higuera-Fuentes, who had been named in a seven-count indictment on Oct. 2, were arrested the same day Gracia-Vega. The charges against the pair include conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine, distribution of methamphetamine and aiding and abetting distribution of methamphetamine.

The investigation into the southern Arizona drug ring is being conducted by multiple federal agencies as well as the Marana Police Department, the Pima County Sheriff’s Office and the Arizona Department of Public Safety.

We want to hear from you.

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

Arizona News

A teenager was fatally wounded in a shooting on Oct. 30, 2024, according to the Phoenix Police Depa...

KTAR.com

Police trying to identify suspect after teen killed in south Phoenix shooting

Police are trying to identify a suspect in a south Phoenix shooting that claimed the life of a teenager earlier this week.

6 hours ago

Apache County Attorney Michael Whiting...

Associated Press

Apache County Attorney has salary stripped, law license suspended

The Apache County Attorney who faces criminal charges of misusing public funds will be stripped of his salary just days before standing unopposed for reelection as a Democrat.

8 hours ago

Maricopa County employees...

Associated Press

Maricopa County employees taking on extra shifts to help process early ballots

Maricopa County employees are taking on extra shifts to help election workers with an around-the-clock operation to process early ballots that are an unusually long two pages.

10 hours ago

Phoenix Children's...

Angela Gonzales/Phoenix Business Journal

Phoenix Children’s walks away from giant health insurance contract

Phoenix Children's, one of the nation's largest pediatric health systems, turned down an $80 million offer from one of Arizona's largest health insurers in a heated contract dispute.

11 hours ago

Judge gavel and baby crib...

Payne Moses

Suspect arrested 38 years after sexual assault, kidnapping case opened in Phoenix

After 38 years, a suspect accused of kidnapping and sexually assaulting a Phoenix toddler was identified and arrested.

12 hours ago

Follow @kstonezone...

Sponsored Content by 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.

Sponsored Articles

...

DISC Desert Institute for Spine Care

The best methods to make your back pain disappear for good

Are you struggling with back pain that will not go away?

...

Collins Comfort Masters

Collins Comfort Masters: Leading the Way in HVAC and Plumbing Services in Arizona

Tempe, AZ – Since its inception in 1985, Collins Comfort Masters has been a cornerstone in the HVAC and plumbing industry in Phoenix and the surrounding Valley.

...

Sanderson Ford

3 storylines to get you revved up for the 2024 Arizona Cardinals

Arizona Cardinals training camp is just a couple weeks away starting on July 25, and Sanderson Ford is revved up and ready to go.

3 men accused of conspiring to sell large amounts of meth in Arizona