Brothers from Mexico sentenced for trafficking more than 30 pounds of fentanyl in western Washington

One of two brothers from Mexico was sentenced on Thursday to 42 months in prison for a multi-year drug trafficking conspiracy involving several pounds of narcotics.

Benito Perez Aguilar, 29, of Kent, was arrested with his brother in May 2025 after a drug trafficking investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the Department of Justice (DOJ) announced.

Benito and his brother, Antonio Perez Aguilar, 32, of Mill Creek, shared the moniker “Miguel” in their drug trafficking from 2022 to 2025. The investigation documented various drug sales throughout western Washington. The DOJ noted neither brother had legal status in the U.S.

Both brothers were caught with more than 30 pounds of fentanyl powder and pills, and a kilo of heroin.

“These men were moving large amounts of fentanyl pills and powder in our community — they were not small-time dealers,” said First Assistant U.S. Attorney Neil Floyd. “Particularly concerning, Benito Perez Aguilar, while driving impaired, caused a traffic accident on I-5 in n 2017. He remained a fugitive on a state court warrant related to that case until his federal arrest last year.”

DEA seized fentanyl, heroin, and cash at both brothers’ residences

On May 16, 2025, the DEA went to the residences of both brothers. At Benito’s residence, law enforcement recovered roughly 76.5 grams of M-30 pills, 1,169 grams of fentanyl powder, along with scales, baggies, and $20,285 in cash.

At Antonio’s residence, officers seized 1,992.3 grams of M-30 pills, 11,320 grams of fentanyl powder, 1,271.8 grams of heroin, and $12,396 in cash, according to records filed in the case.

“This investigation shut down a significant fentanyl and heroin distribution operation that was putting lives at risk across western Washington,” said Robert A. Saccone, Special Agent in Charge, DEA Seattle Field Division. “As part of our commitment to a Fentanyl Free America, DEA is committed to disrupting the fentanyl supply chain, reducing the availability of these deadly drugs, and saving American lives.”

Benito pleaded guilty in November to conspiracy to distribute controlled substances.

In asking for a five-year prison term, prosecutors raised concerns over the dangers of the drugs the brothers trafficked throughout the community, along with evidence of Benito’s previous experience in drug trafficking.

“On December 15, 2017, Mr. Perez caused a multi-vehicle collision while driving under the influence. He then attempted to escape the scene by offering another driver up to $2,000 to drive him away,” Prosecutors noted. “After Mr. Perez was located by law enforcement, he was observed to have bloodshot eyes and the odor of intoxicants.

“Police officers later conducted a court-authorized search of Mr. Perez’s vehicle and recovered 411 grams of heroin, six scales, five phones, and a box of Ziploc baggies,” Prosecutors continued. “Mr. Perez failed to appear in court as directed by a summons in 2018. There was an active warrant for Mr. Perez based on this criminal conduct for over seven years, until he was arrested in 2025.”

U.S. District Judge Jamal N. Whitehead ordered Benito to serve four years of supervised release following his prison term, although he will likely be deported following prison due to a lack of legal status in the United States.

In February, Antonio was sentenced to four years in prison. Antonio had already been convicted in 2018 for solicitation to delivery of a controlled substance in state court. Antonio purchased $105,000 worth of cocaine. In that case, he was sentenced to four months in prison.

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