Mexican National Sentenced to 60 Months for Drug Conspiracy
TUCSON, Ariz. – Armando Puentes-Melendez, 38, of Mexico, was sentenced on April 24, 2025, by United States District Judge Scott H. Rash to 60 months in prison. Puentes-Melendez previously pleaded guilty to Conspiracy to Distribute Methamphetamine.
On January 18, 2024, law enforcement agents intercepted a drug transaction involving over 100 pounds of methamphetamine. Puentes-Melendez and two co-conspirators met with an undercover agent in Phoenix to facilitate the drug deal. While the methamphetamine was being retrieved from a nearby stash house, Puentes-Melendez discussed potential future drug transactions with the undercover agent. Once law enforcement confirmed the drugs were en route, agents moved in and arrested Puentes-Melendez and his co-conspirators.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).
The Drug Enforcement Administration and Homeland Security Investigations conducted the investigation in this case. The United States Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, Tucson, handled the prosecution.
CASE NUMBER: CR24-00681-TUC-SHR
RELEASE NUMBER: 2025-069_Puentes-Melendez