Alleged teen smuggler one of many caught by law enforcement for drug trafficking this week

(The Center Square) – It was another busy week for holding drug traffickers accountable in Arizona, as multiple authorities announced sentences and arrested related to the widespread crisis.

United States Customs and Border Protection announced that an 18-year-old was arrested Saturday at the Port of San Luis for attempting to bring in 175 pounds of “hard-narcotics” into the the country from Mexico. The drugs were hidden throughout his car, and included fentanyl powder and pills, as well as methamphetamine – in total worth over $1 million.

“Unfortunately, this is a method of smuggling that we continue to encounter with narcotic traffickers utilizing teenagers to smuggle dangerous drugs,” Chris Leon, Area Port Director for San Luis, said in a statement. “I encourage young people to really think about what they are getting involved in and implore them to use good judgment, because ultimately there are consequences for one’s actions.”

The Center Square reported earlier this week that a woman headed to Atlanta tried smuggling 13 pounds of fentanyl powder and 50,000 fentanyl pills in her checked bag at Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport, but was stopped by airport police.

It’s also been a notable week for the sentencing of drug traffickers. Attorney General Kris Mayes announced that Lino Bol was sentenced to one year in jail and three years probation after he pled guilty to being a part of a drug trafficking operation that spanned across Arizona and five other states. According to a news release, Bol was Texas-based but was part of a group that sent cash and fentanyl to Tucson.

“My office will continue to work tirelessly to dismantle drug trafficking organizations that ship fentanyl into Arizona and our local communities,” Mayes said in a statement. “I’m proud of the dedicated agents, investigators, and prosecutors at the Attorney General’s Office who are working every day to protect Arizonans. Those engaged in illicit drug trafficking should be on notice that my office, along with our law enforcement partners, will find you and bring you to justice.”

Mayes also announced that a Eduardo Cruz is also facing 5 years behind bars for dealing fentanyl and methamphetamine in the Phoenix Metropolitan Area, The Center Square reported.

Concerns about illicit drug consumption and trafficking are paramount in Arizona, as billboards line the state with “One Pill Can Kill.” The Arizona Department of Health Services estimates over 5 deaths daily tied with overdosing or poisoning on opioids, mostly commonly fentanyl. When it comes to methamphetamine, many heat-related deaths in the region are tied with the use of the dangerous drug, NPR reported in July.