Arizona men sentenced for methamphetamine and fentanyl trafficking

June 27, 2024 Bob Bakken

Credit U.S. Attorney’s Office – Northern District of Mississippi

June 27 – Two Arizona men have been sentenced for trafficking drugs from California into the Northern District of Mississippi.

According to court records, Enrique Rivera, 45, previously pled guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute approximately 110 pounds of methamphetamine. Omar Villacorta was convicted at trial of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute approximately 110 pounds of methamphetamine and aiding and abetting in the possession with intent to distribute approximately three kilograms of fentanyl.

Rivera was previously sentenced to 200 months incarceration with a five-year term of supervised release. At a sentencing hearing on Wednesday, Chief U.S. District Court Judge Debra M. Brown sentenced Villacorta to 235 months incarceration with five years of supervised release.

“This prosecution resulted from one of the largest drug seizures in the Northern District of Mississippi in recent history,” remarked U.S. Attorney Clay Joyner. “It was the result of a significant undercover operation involving state and federal law enforcement officers. Due to their diligence and professionalism, we were able to keep this methamphetamine and fentanyl off the streets of Mississippi.”

“This case demonstrates our unwavering commitment to dismantling drug trafficking organizations and holding those responsible accountable, regardless of where they come from. The significant sentences handed down send a clear message that trafficking dangerous narcotics like methamphetamine and fentanyl into Mississippi will not be tolerated,” said Drug Enforcement Administration Assistant Special Agent in Charge Anessa Daniels-McCaw.

The Panola County Sheriff’s Office, Batesville Police Department, DeSoto County Sheriff’s Office, Mississippi Bureau of Investigations and Drug Enforcement Administration investigated the case.

The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Scott Leary and Chad Doleac.