Drug Trafficker Gets 22-Year Prison Term
Updated: Monday, 02 Nov 2009, 4:07 PM MST
Published : Monday, 02 Nov 2009, 4:07 PM MST

PHOENIX (AP) - Authorities say a Mexican citizen accused of being the leader of a drug trafficking organization has been sentenced to nearly 22 years in federal prison.

Prosecutors said Monday that 41-year-old Aaron Quintero-Soto, of Sinaloa, was given a 262-month sentence to be followed by 25 years of supervised release.

Quintero-Soto pleaded guilty in June to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine, cocaine, and crack cocaine.

Authorities say he was head of Mexico-based, family-run organization that imported drugs from Mexico into Phoenix and then distributed them to destinations throughout the United States.

Federal agents conducted a wiretap into the organization in August 2008 and arrested five people, including Quintero-Soto's brother. Agents also seized large quantities of drugs and almost $200,000 in cash.

Three of the other four defendants still await sentencing in the case.

http://www.myfoxphoenix.com/dpp/news/cr ... e_32217117