INDEPENDENT NEWSMEDIA
A 29-year-old Chandler man has been sentenced to 15 years in prison for his role in a drug transaction to distribute methamphetamine, authorities said.
U.S. District Judge G. Murray Snow also sentenced Hector Manuel Cruz, Jr. to five years of supervised release after his prison term ends.
Cruz pleaded guilty on April 25 to possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, according to a release from the Arizona district of the U.S. Attorney’s office.
Co-defendant Konstantin Shurayeu, 32, of Phoenix was sentenced this summer by Snow to seven years in prison, followed by five years of supervised release. On March 14, Shurayeu also pleaded guilty to the same charge, officials said.
Cruz and Shurayeu met at a Phoenix apartment complex on July 14, 2022, to complete a drug transaction, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
Law enforcement ultimately found 4.93 kilograms of fentanyl, 3.38 kilograms of methamphetamine (actual), 8.49 grams of methamphetamine, 1.20 kilograms of cocaine, 0.77 kilograms of fentanyl analogue, 1.12 kilograms of heroin, 0.35 grams of oxycodone, 0.84 kilograms of marijuana and 12,330 units of Xanax.
The drugs were found in Cruz’s and Shurayeu’s vehicles as well as and Cruz’s apartment, the release stated.
Sixteen handguns, two shotguns, one rifle, a ballistic vest and $118,195 cash also was in Cruz’s apartment, officials said.