Two men and a woman face years in prison for trafficking methamphetamine in Arizona for a Mexican drug cartel, police said Tuesday.
Berenice Nafarrate, Leonel Armenta-Perez, and Marcial Valenzuela-Hernandez were arrested last year after attempting to consummate a drug trade, according to the Arizona Attorney General’s Office.
On November 4, 2025, a Chandler Police Department informant arranged a purchase with Mexican traffickers.
The informant met Nafarrate and Armenta-Perez at the agreed-upon place, and Valenzuela-Hernandez drove the meth to the transaction site, according to authorities.
Police nabbed the trio and seized just over 70 pounds of meth.
Valenzuela-Hernandez was seventeen at the time. Armenta-Perez, who was carrying a revolver during the transaction, was recognized by authorities as a significant narcotics trafficker, according to prosecutors. Meanwhile, Nafarrate was previously arrested for drug trafficking in Oklahoma.
On December 8, 2025, all three were indicted for multiple charges.
Nafarrate, Armenta-Perez, and Valenzuela-Hernandez each pled guilty to transporting a dangerous narcotic for sale. Armenta-Perez also pleaded guilty to weapons-related misconduct and conspiracy.
Maricopa County Superior Court sentenced them as follows:
- Valenzuela-Hernandez: Five years on June 29.
- Nafarrate: Seven years on July 14.
- Armenta-Perez: Seven years on July 16.
The defendants were also ordered to pay $5,000 in fines and costs. Furthermore, Armenta-Perez was ordered to surrender his weapon.
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