AG Kris Mayes Celebrates 5 Year Sentencing of Drug Ring Leader

Attorney General Kris Mayes is celebrating a significant win against drug dealers. Her office collaborated with federal agents to dismantle a major drug operation in Phoenix and is commending the effective teamwork among law enforcement groups.

On September 10, Kris Mayes spoke about the case after a Phoenix man got 5 years in prison for running a massive drug ring. 

"I am grateful for the collaboration between my Office's Criminal Division and DEA investigators in removing these dangerous drugs from our Arizona communities and holding the perpetrators accountable," she said.

Daniel Quinones-Castro pleaded guilty to conspiracy charges related to methamphetamine distribution and weapons violations. The case originated from a comprehensive Drug Enforcement Administration investigation that began in September 2018.

The Investigation

Informed by her office’s press release, federal investigators conducted extensive surveillance over several months, revealing that Quinones-Castro coordinated the criminal enterprise by directing couriers in the pickup and distribution of illegal substances across the state.

During the investigation period from September 2018 to February 2019, authorities established that Quinones-Castro facilitated the trafficking of more than seven pounds of methamphetamine and over seven pounds of cocaine. 

The case became more complex when investigators discovered Quinones-Castro allegedly instructed an associate to purchase a belt-fed rifle for smuggling into Mexico.

Prosecution Strategy

Under Mayes' direction, the Arizona Attorney General's Office Criminal Division handled the prosecution, demonstrating effective coordination between state and federal law enforcement agencies. 

The collaborative approach also resulted in consequences for two additional defendants, Mark Lujan and Daniel Granucci, who participated in methamphetamine distribution and money laundering activities.

Both received supervised probation.