SPOKANE, Wash. – A 26-year-old from Spokane, has been sentenced to nine years in prison for drug trafficking, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office. U.S. District Judge Mary K. Dimke also imposed four years of supervised release.
The Drug Enforcement Administration found that Ricardo Cantu was supplying methamphetamine and fentanyl-laced pills in the Tri-Cities area with the help of three co-defendants, Julio Gaspar Iniguez, Veronica Martinez, and Daniel Mora.
In late 2023, the DEA conducted controlled purchases from Cantu and Gaspar, seizing nearly two pounds of methamphetamine and over 3,041 fentanyl pills. Cantu and Mora were armed during these transactions.
A search of Cantu’s home on December 7, 2023, revealed 10,000 fentanyl-laced pills in a child’s bag, additional pills, scales, and a stolen Glock firearm. Authorities also found more fentanyl pills and drug-related equipment in the garage.
Acting U.S. Attorney Richard Barker highlighted the dangers posed by Cantu’s actions, stating, “Mr. Cantu not only trafficked deadly narcotics but did so while armed and in the presence of children, putting lives at risk.”
