PHOENIX, AZ — In a shocking drug bust, two men have been arrested after investigators discovered fentanyl pills concealed inside roof shingle packaging. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Arizona confirmed that Carlos Rene Montes, 32, of Tucson, and Miguel Angel Sesma, 30, a permanent resident from Mexico living in Arizona, were caught with the intent to distribute fentanyl.
How It Unfolded
On March 10, the DEA Phoenix East Valley Drug Enforcement Task Force (EVDETF) observed Montes drive an SUV into a Phoenix store parking lot, where he met Sesma. Montes was seen transferring what appeared to be factory-sealed roofing shingle packages from his vehicle to the bed of Sesma’s Ford F250 pickup truck.
Shortly after, authorities conducted traffic stops on both vehicles. A Mesa Police Department canine unit detected narcotics in Sesma’s truck bed, leading to a search that revealed approximately 52 kilograms (114 pounds) of fentanyl-laced blue M30 pills hidden in the shingles.
Upon questioning, Montes admitted to having more drugs at his Tucson home. A consensual search led investigators to seize an additional 32 pounds of fentanyl pills, bringing the total to an estimated 700,000 pills.
Facing Severe Consequences
Both Montes and Sesma have been charged with conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute fentanyl, a crime carrying a potential sentence of 10 years to life in prison and fines up to $10 million.
Authorities continue to investigate the operation, as fentanyl-related crimes surge nationwide. The case highlights the ongoing battle against illicit drug trafficking and the innovative yet dangerous methods criminals use to smuggle deadly substances.
