Arizona Man Arrested for Attempted Sale of 10,000 Fentanyl Pills at Isleta Casino
Details of the Arrest
A 35-year-old man from Arizona was apprehended after trying to distribute a large quantity of fentanyl pills, an offense that could lead to a life sentence. In September 2025, he initiated contact with an undercover agent from the Isleta Police Department through Facebook, discussing the sale of thousands of fentanyl pills.
Meeting Arrangement at Isleta Resort and Casino
According to court records, the undercover agent coordinated a meeting with the suspect, known by the alias “Minkx Apesquad,” in the parking area of the Isleta Resort and Casino, located on the Pueblo of Isleta in Bernalillo County, New Mexico.
The initial communication included informal language asking if the suspect would be coming to the area and requesting access to the drugs referred to by street slang as “beans.” On October 29, the suspect responded promptly, leading to further negotiations via phone. They agreed on a deal involving the purchase of ten “boats,” a term indicating bags containing approximately 1,000 fentanyl pills each, for $10,000.
When the suspect arrived at the designated location, law enforcement officers from multiple agencies swiftly arrested him. These agencies included the Isleta Police Department, Homeland Security Investigations, the Bureau of Indian Affairs Office of Justice Services, U.S. Marshals, New Mexico State Police, and the Sandoval County Sheriff’s Office.
Evidence and Legal Proceedings
Following the arrest, a canine unit from the Sandoval County Sheriff’s Office conducted an open-air sniff of the suspect’s vehicle, detecting the presence of narcotics. A subsequent search uncovered a substantial amount of U.S. currency along with approximately 4,102 grams of fentanyl pills.
The suspect was charged with possession with the intent to distribute fentanyl and is currently held in custody. No trial date has been scheduled. Conviction could result in a life imprisonment sentence.
Statement from Authorities
The arrest was officially announced by Acting U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison and Shawn Stallo, Acting Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) in El Paso. The operation involved collaboration among several law enforcement bodies, ensuring a coordinated effort to address illegal drug distribution in the region.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Paul Mysliwiec will be responsible for prosecuting this case.
