Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes announced on March 26 that Ismael Alejandro Ortiz was sentenced to five years in prison by the Pima County Superior Court for attempting to transport nearly 13 pounds of cocaine for sale.
The case highlights ongoing efforts by state authorities to combat drug trafficking and protect communities from dangerous substances. The Arizona Attorney General’s Office serves as the state’s chief legal office, providing advocacy and protection for residents across Arizona, according to the official website.
Ortiz used a mobile barbershop bus as cover when he arrived at the location of a planned drug deal in Pima County on July 29, 2025. He pled guilty to Attempt to Transport a Narcotic Drug for Sale, which is classified as a class 3 felony. In addition to his prison sentence, Ortiz was ordered to pay $4,500 to the State Anti-Racketeering Revolving Fund.
The transaction was facilitated through WhatsApp, a platform owned by Meta. “This is yet another case facilitated on a big tech billionaire’s social media platform,” said Attorney General Mayes. “Arizonans can track cases where social media companies are used to enable and facilitate illegal activities on our website.” The Arizona Attorney General’s Office also supports accountability measures for social media companies and participates in federal action lawsuits, according to the official website.
Mayes thanked law enforcement partners and attorneys involved in prosecuting such crimes: “My office will keep prosecuting those who transport dangerous drugs into Arizona communities,” she said. “I am grateful for the work of our law enforcement partners and our attorneys in my office who work every day to keep Arizonans safe.” The investigation was conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and prosecuted by Assistant Attorney General Sabrina Lochner.
The Arizona Attorney General’s Office addresses issues such as elder abuse, civil rights violations, unsolved crimes through its cold case unit, fair housing initiatives, and provides comprehensive legal services statewide according to its official website.
