Ex-AZ Guardsman Indicted in Drug Trafficking Case

Updated: Thursday, 01 Sep 2011, 5:45 PM MST
Published : Thursday, 01 Sep 2011, 5:45 PM MST

PHOENIX (AP) — A former member of the Arizona Army National Guard who's now a fugitive has been indicted for bribery and drug trafficking.

The 10-count indictment returned Thursday in U.S. District Court charges 38-year-old Raul Portillo, of Phoenix, with twice transporting cocaine and accepting $12,000 in bribes from narcotics traffickers.

The charges arise from an undercover FBI investigation from January 2002 through March 2004.

Federal prosecutors say Portillo used his position as a National Guard sergeant to "assist, protect and participate" in the activities of a narcotics trafficking ring that transported and distributed cocaine from Arizona.

A warrant was issued for Portillo in 2006, but he wasn't arrested until May. Portillo was arraigned and released on his own recognizance.

He hasn't reported to authorities and now is considered a fugitive.

http://www.myfoxphoenix.com/dpp/news/cr ... d-9-1-2011