United States Drug Enforcement Administration

TUCSON, Ariz. – The DEA announced the sentencing of Omar Moreno-Miranda, 33, of Hermosillo, Sonora, Mexico, to 60 months’ imprisonment, to be followed by five years of supervised release.  Moreno-Miranda pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to possess and possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine earlier this year.

The DEA investigation into a Mexico-based drug trafficking organization began in October 2016.  At the time, Moreno-Miranda was employed as a police officer in Nogales, Sonora, Mexico, and was in contact with an undercover agent regarding potential drug transaction in Tucson.  On May 30, 2017, Moreno-Miranda entered the United States from Mexico and drove to a hotel in the Tucson area, directing the undercover agent to the hotel’s parking lot.  Agents arrested Moreno-Miranda and a subsequent search of his vehicle revealed 11 pounds of methamphetamine in a backpack inside the vehicle.

“No matter the country, officers who engage in drug trafficking betray the trust of the community they are sworn to protect and smear the profession for those law enforcement officials who serve with integrity,” said Doug Coleman, Special Agent in Charge of DEA in Arizona. “DEA agents are committed to continued service to our communities and the pursuit of drug traffickers who plague our neighborhoods with these deadly substances.”

Moreno-Miranda was sentenced by U.S. District Chief Judge Raner C. Collins on Sept. 11, 2018.  The investigation in this case was conducted by the Tucson OCDETF Strike Force comprised of Drug Enforcement Administration, Homeland Security Investigations, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Office of Enforcement and Removal, United States Border Patrol, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.  The prosecution was handled by Ryan P. DeJoe, Assistant U.S. Attorney, District of Arizona, Tucson.