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TUCSON, Ariz. – Nestor Hernandez-Morales, 27, of Mesa, has been sentenced to eight years in federal prison following his guilty plea to multiple charges, including drug trafficking and attempted smuggling of firearms to support criminal activity. U.S. District Court Judge Angela M. Martinez handed down the sentence, which also includes three years of supervised release.
Hernandez-Morales admitted to charges of Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine, Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of Drug Trafficking Activity, and Attempted Smuggling of Firearms to Promote Drug Trafficking Activity in June 2024.
The Sting Operation and Arrest
On February 1, 2023, Hernandez-Morales arranged to purchase two high-powered rifles—a .50 caliber semi-automatic rifle and a 5.56x45mm belt-fed rifle—for $26,000. These weapons were intended for drug trafficking organizations in Mexico, where they are highly valued for their role in promoting and protecting drug trafficking operations.
The transaction, part of an undercover sting operation, led to his immediate arrest by federal and local law enforcement agents. A search of his residence revealed:
- 6.6 kilograms of methamphetamine.
- A Beretta handgun used to protect drugs, money, and munitions.
- Nine additional firearms.
Weapons and Drug Trafficking Activities
Hernandez-Morales acknowledged using the Beretta handgun during drug transport and to safeguard his illegal activities. The seized rifles and methamphetamine highlighted his role in facilitating and supporting organized crime.
Collaboration Between Law Enforcement Agencies
The investigation was part of the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) initiative in Southern Arizona. This initiative, spearheaded by the Arizona Strike Force in Tucson, brings together federal, state, and local agencies to target and dismantle high-level drug trafficking networks.
The case involved:
- Homeland Security Investigations.
- Federal Bureau of Investigation.
- Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
- Drug Enforcement Administration.
- Arizona Department of Public Safety.
Prosecution and Sentencing
Assistant U.S. Attorney David Petermann, District of Arizona, Tucson, led the prosecution. Hernandez-Morales’s case underscores the federal government’s commitment to disrupting transnational criminal networks and ensuring that offenders face significant consequences.