Attorney General Mayes Announces 10-Year Prison Sentence for Repeat Drug Trafficker Who Delivered 30 Pounds of Methamphetamine for Mexican Drug-Trafficking Organization

PHOENIX – Attorney General Kris Mayes announced that Emilio Lopez, 23, was sentenced to 10 years in prison on January 29, 2026 after being convicted of Transportation of a Dangerous Drug for Sale, a Class 2 felony.

On July 18, 2025, Lopez delivered 30 pounds of methamphetamine on behalf of a Mexican drug-trafficking organization. When law enforcement moved in to make the arrest, Lopez attempted to flee—crashing his vehicle into a nearby restaurant drive-thru before running into a second restaurant. He was apprehended moments later.

"This defendant has shown that he poses a serious threat to our communities," said Attorney General Mayes. "Arizonans can rest easier knowing this repeat drug trafficker is off our streets and behind bars for the next decade."

Lopez's criminal history includes two prior drug trafficking convictions in Yuma County. He was convicted of Attempted Sale or Transportation of Narcotic Drugs in March 2020 and, while still on probation, was convicted of Attempted Sale or Transportation of Dangerous Drugs in August 2021. After serving 3.5 years in prison, Lopez was released from community supervision on May 9, 2025—just two months before committing his latest offense.

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

A copy of the indictment is available here. A copy of his booking photo is available here. A photo of the trafficked drugs is available here.