Attorney General Mayes Announces Multi-year Prison Sentences in Chandler Meth Trafficking Case

PHOENIX — Attorney General Kris Mayes today announced the sentencing of three defendants for their roles in a scheme to transport more than 70 pounds of methamphetamine into Arizona on behalf of a Mexican drug cartel.

"Those who traffic illicit drugs into Arizona communities will be held accountable by my office," said Attorney General Mayes. "We will not hesitate to prosecute anyone who jeopardizes the safety of Arizona communities. I want to thank the Chandler Police Department for their work on this investigation."

On November 4, 2025, an informant working with the Chandler Police Department arranged to purchase 70 pounds of methamphetamine from a Mexico-based drug trafficking organization. The deal was negotiated through a narcotics coordinator based in Mexico.

As the transaction was being finalized, Berenice Nafarrate contacted the informant by phone to coordinate logistics. When Nafarrate arrived to meet the informant, she was accompanied by Leonel Armenta-Perez, who was found to be armed with a handgun during the deal. A separate, unrelated investigation had previously identified Armenta-Perez as a major drug trafficker responsible for moving large quantities of illicit narcotics, including methamphetamine. Nafarrate had a prior arrest for a similar offense in Oklahoma.

A third defendant, Marcial Valenzuela-Hernandez, drove the methamphetamine to the deal. Valenzuela-Hernandez was approximately 17.5 years old at the time of the offense.

All three defendants were arrested at the scene. Investigators recovered the methamphetamine, which weighed just over 70 pounds.

All three defendants pleaded guilty to Transportation of a Dangerous Drug for Sale. Armenta-Perez additionally pleaded guilty to Misconduct Involving Weapons, for possessing a handgun during the drug transaction, and Conspiracy, for his broader involvement in drug trafficking.

• On June 29, 2026, Valenzuela-Hernandez was sentenced to 5 calendar years in prison.
• On July 14, 2026, Nafarrate was sentenced to 7 calendar years in prison.
• On July 16, 2026, Armenta-Perez was sentenced to 7 calendar years in prison.

Each defendant was separately ordered to pay more than $5,000 in fines and fees. Armenta-Perez was additionally ordered to forfeit to the State his interest in the handgun he possessed during the offense. A copy of the indictment is available. 

This case was prosecuted by Assistant Attorney General Brett George of the Drug and Racketeering Enforcement Section.