This document details a drug trafficking conspiracy involving fentanyl and heroin, operating between California and Alaska. Here’s a breakdown of the key details:
The Conspiracy:
Key Players: Marcelino juarez, Julio Juarez, Brown, and Murphy were central to the operation.Lopez-Chavez was identified as a source of drugs. Garrett was also involved.
Modus Operandi: The group illegally resided in the U.S., purchased fentanyl and heroin in California, and transported it to Alaska via mail or checked airline baggage. Travel: Marcelino Juarez, Julio Juarez, Brown, and Murphy made multiple trips between Alaska and California to acquire drugs and fund these purchases.
Gang Affiliation: Marcelino Juarez, Julio Juarez, and Brown were identified as known gang members by the stockton, California, Police Department.
Key Events and Seizures:
August 22, 2024: USPIS identified a suspicious parcel destined for Anchorage.
August 26, 2024: Law enforcement seized over two kilograms of fentanyl powder from the parcel. Marcelino Juarez and Brown were observed taking the package and were later stopped in separate vehicles. Garrett was detained in one of the vehicles.
July 3-5, 2024: Brown and Murphy flew from Anchorage to Los Angeles to buy heroin and fentanyl from multiple sources, including Lopez-Chavez.
July 6, 2024: Approximately one kilogram of heroin and two kilograms of fentanyl powder were seized from a checked bag at Los Angeles International Airport destined for Anchorage. Murphy and Brown did not receive this suitcase upon arrival in Alaska.
November 14, 2024: Lopez-Chavez was arrested in Los Angeles with approximately 23 kilograms of fentanyl, U.S. currency, and counterfeit immigration documents.
Total Seizures:
At least 36 kilograms of fentanyl.
Roughly 10 kilograms of heroin.
Legal Proceedings:
Indictments and Complaints: Charges were filed against the defendants at various times between August 2024 and November 2024.
Guilty Pleas:
Marcelino Juarez and Julio Juarez pleaded guilty in July 2025.
Murphy pleaded guilty in april 2025.
Lopez-Chavez pleaded guilty in June 2025. Sentencing: The defendants are scheduled for sentencing within the next three months. Potential Sentences:
Marcelino Juarez,Brown,Murphy,lopez-Chavez,and Garrett face 10 years to life in prison.
Julio Juarez faces 15 years to life in prison due to a prior conviction for attempted murder.
Investigating Agencies:
The investigation involved a broad range of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies, including:
FBI Anchorage Field Office
Alaska High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) Mat-Su Narcotics Team
HIDTA’s Southcentral Area-wide Narcotics Team (SCAN)
Fairbanks Area-wide Narcotics Team (FANT)
Anchorage Airport Interdiction Team (AAIT)
U.S. Postal Inspection Service (USPIS)
FBI Los Angeles Field Office
FBI Sacramento Field Office
IRS Criminal Investigation (IRS CI)
U.S. Marshals service (USMS) los Angeles Special Response Team
Los Angeles Police Department
Stockton Police Department
California Highway Patrol
Anchorage Police Department
* Alaska state Troopers (as part of the FBI’s Safe Streets Task Force)
Announcements:
The announcement of the case was made by U.S. attorney michael J. Heyman for the District of Alaska, Special Agent in Charge Rebecca Day of the FBI Anchorage Field office, Alaska State Trooper Colonel Maurice Hughes, and Inspector in Charge Anthony Galetti of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service Seattle Division.
