A 21-year-old Phoenix man is facing federal charges after investigators seized large quantities of methamphetamine, cocaine, and multiple firearms during a drug enforcement operation last week.
According to federal court documents, John Avendano was pulled over on September 22 by a DEA task force officer in the East Valley. During the stop, investigators allegedly found a firearm and about 30 pounds of methamphetamine stashed in a black trash bag inside his Chevrolet Silverado.
A subsequent search of Avendano’s residence turned up even more drugs—over five pounds of meth and roughly 250 grams of cocaine—along with two additional firearms, prosecutors said.
Avendano has been charged with possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, a felony that carries a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years in prison and up to a $10 million fine.
The case falls under Operation Take Back America, a Department of Justice initiative targeting cartel activity, violent crime, and drug trafficking networks nationwide.
The DEA’s East Valley Drug Enforcement Task Force led the investigation, with Assistant U.S. Attorney Stuart Zander prosecuting the case.
