Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes Addresses Illegal Arms Sales to Organized Crime

Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes has identified the illegal sale of weaponry to organized crime as a significant challenge facing the state, as the government works to disrupt trafficking networks supplying weapons to Mexican drug cartels.

The effort to combat this pipeline includes both criminal prosecutions and legislative initiatives aimed at closing legal loopholes that have allowed traffickers to avoid substantial prison sentences.

Indictments in Firearms Trafficking Ring

On October 30, 2025, Attorney General Mayes announced the indictment of 20 individuals involved in a significant firearms trafficking conspiracy. The network is accused of illegally acquiring firearms from Federal Firearms Licensees for export to drug trafficking organizations in Mexico.

The conspiracy reportedly operated from May 2024 to February 2025. Key figures named in the indictment include Luis Castaneda, Victor Garcia, and Aaron Villescaz-Chavira, who worked alongside others, including Hakeem Sharp and Michelle Iniguez.

According to the indictment, approximately 334 firearms were obtained during the course of the conspiracy. Data from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) eTrace system indicated that many of these weapons were subsequently recovered in Mexico.

The defendants face 113 total charges, including Misconduct Involving Weapons and other felony offenses under Arizona law. The investigation was a joint effort between the Arizona Attorney General’s Office Special Investigations Section, the Phoenix Police Department Gun Squad, and the ATF.

Legislative Response to Weapons Trafficking

In addition to law enforcement actions, the Arizona Attorney General’s office has proposed legislative changes to strengthen penalties for those supplying criminal enterprises. On February 10, 2026, the Arizona House of Representatives passed House Bill 2131.

Proposed by Mayes’ office and sponsored by Representative Quang Nguyen (R-1), Chairman of the House Judiciary Committee, HB 2131 expands the definition of weapons trafficking. The bill makes it an offense to transfer even a single weapon or explosive if the action is intended to assist or advance organized criminal activity, including racketeering enterprises, criminal syndicates, or gangs.

My office has seen firsthand the devastation these weapons cause in our communities. Under current law, traffickers have been able to exploit loopholes and avoid serious prison time. HB 2131 changes that.

Attorney General Kris Mayes

The legislation introduces mandatory prison sentences by prohibiting sentence suspension, early release, or probation in cases where three or more weapons or explosives are trafficked, regardless of whether they are charged in a single offense or consolidated for trial.

Attorney General Mayes stated that the bill is intended to disrupt the pipeline that provides explosives and guns to dangerous criminals and to protect law enforcement officers and Arizona communities.