An investigation conducted by the Phoenix Police Department, the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office, and the Surprise Police Department led to the conviction of Luis Enrique Villegas-Lugo, who was found guilty of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine, a felony.
On Aug. 18, 2014, Villegas-Lugo, 40, of Culiacan, Sinaloa, Mexico was sentenced by Senior U.S. District Judge Roslyn O. Silver to 17.5 years in prison.
The Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force investigation into the Villegas-Lugo Drug Trafficking Organization (DTO) took place from July 2006 through September 2006 in Phoenix. On Feb. 25, 2009, the defendant, was charged with conspiring to possess with the intent to distribute methamphetamine, possessing methamphetamine, and possessing firearms in furtherance of the drug trafficking business.
Evidence showed that the DTO imported methamphetamine from Mexico into the United States and transported it to a stash house in Phoenix. Once there, the methamphetamine was distributed to customers. During the investigation, law enforcement agents seized approximately 20 pounds of methamphetamine, two handguns, two rifles, and drug packaging materials from the stash house.