Daniel Roberto Auz-Vasquez, a 28-year-old from Imuris, Sonora, Mexico, has been sentenced to 78 months in federal prison for his involvement in a methamphetamine distribution conspiracy. The sentencing was handed down on December 5, 2025, by Chief United States District Judge Jennifer G. Zipps in Tucson. In addition to the prison term, Auz-Vasquez will serve four years of supervised release and must pay a $100 special assessment.
Auz-Vasquez was convicted of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine. According to court records, on July 1, 2024, he and co-conspirators were found in possession of about 100 pounds of methamphetamine in Phoenix. They intended to deliver the drugs that same evening.
The investigation into this case was part of the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) initiative created under Executive Order 14159: Protecting the American People Against Invasion. The HSTF is a collaborative effort among various agencies aimed at combating criminal cartels and transnational organizations operating both within the United States and internationally. The task force also targets human smuggling and trafficking networks.
The investigation involved multiple agencies including Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), and the Arizona Department of Public Safety (AZDPS). Assistant United States Attorney David Petermann led the prosecution for the District of Arizona-Tucson.
“This HSTF Tucson led investigation comprises agents and officers from Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), and the Arizona Department of Public Safety (AZDPS) with the prosecution being led by Assistant United States Attorney David Petermann of the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Arizona-Tucson.”
