2024 Spotlight: 9 Drug Dealers Who Got Busted

Teen’s Snapchat and CashApp Are a Real Crime Scene

In March, a year-long investigation culminated in the arrest of 19-year-old Adrian Lopez-Garcia for his alleged involvement in a shooting in Tortosa in 2023. Police tracked his activities via Snapchat and CashApp, uncovering a cache of marijuana and a stolen firearm. Witnesses reported a suspicious red Dodge Charger and heard gunfire on the morning of the incident. When police stopped Lopez-Garcia in the same vehicle, they discovered large amounts of cash, marijuana, and the stolen weapon. His phone indicated numerous sales transactions, with CashApp records pointing to nearly 150 payments for illegal items. Although he faces multiple drug and weapon charges, formal charges had not been filed as of December.

Drugs, Fentanyl, and Foil—It’s a Wrap for This Dealer

In late March, police apprehended 21-year-old Dylan K. Rope outside his residence on West Estrada Street after receiving a tip-off regarding narcotics sales from his vehicle. Officers were aware of his existing warrant in Tucson, and upon detaining him, found drug paraphernalia. A search yielded fentanyl pills and tin foil. Rope faces two drug charges and up to 11 years in prison if convicted. His last court appearance on October 30 ended with his failure to show.

From Hip-Hop to Handcuffs—The Mayor of Meth Gets Busted

Rico Gillespie, known as “Rico G The Mayor,” was arrested on June 11 after federal agents tracked him to Maricopa Meadows. The 37-year-old hip-hop artist previously operated a meth operation in Anchorage and was on federal probation. Despite serving prison time for running a drug ring, he was caught continuing his illegal activities. His prior arrest in 2017 resulted in the discovery of meth, heroin, and firearms. Gillespie’s extensive criminal history includes 36 cases involving drugs and violence.

SWAT Team Shakes Down Taft Avenue for Drugs (and Drama)

A Maricopa SWAT team executed a dramatic raid on Taft Avenue in July, arresting 61-year-old David Fryer and 38-year-old Jesi Garcia. The operation followed leads from previous arrests and uncovered 68 grams of meth and 86 suspected fentanyl pills. Fryer, suspected of selling meth and fentanyl, had a safe filled with drugs in his bedroom. He faces over 70 years in prison on various felony counts, while Garcia was charged with drug and theft offenses.

Mugging the Family, Smuggling the Weed—A Real Family Affair

Bruno-Alexander R. Adams, 32, faces a long list of charges following a chaotic incident in July. The debacle began with a family argument that escalated dramatically, with Adams reportedly throwing coffee mugs and nearly injuring a toddler. After resisting arrest, he was booked and later caught attempting to smuggle marijuana into Pinal County Jail. Adams’ 10 charges could lead to nearly 60 years in prison. His trial was last active on November 26, with a continuance granted.

When “Wanting Your Money or Weed Back” Goes Wrong

In July, Joseph A. Norman, 40, confronted a woman over a failed weed deal, leading to threats and gunfire in a Glennwilde neighborhood. After demanding either cash or marijuana, Norman’s aggressive actions prompted police intervention. Officers found him armed, resulting in charges including weapons misconduct and trespassing. He now faces up to 18 months in jail, and court activity ceased on November 14 after his failure to appear.

When a Drunken Drive Turns Into a Full-Court Press

On a Wednesday morning in July, 23-year-old Isaac M. Barrett drove home intoxicated, leading to an eventual police pursuit. After being reported by his father, Barrett eventually stopped but not before violating several traffic laws. Inside his vehicle, officers discovered Xanax and a fake ID. With over 28 years in potential prison time, Barrett’s case is ongoing.

The Car That Gave Away More Than a Bad Registration

Maricopa police intercepted a silver 2000 Mercury Grand Marquis in October due to expired registration. While no illegal items were found initially, a search of passenger Nathan Rojas uncovered cocaine. Driver Cesar Castellanos admitted to aiding drug sales, corroborated by evidence on his phone. Rojas is facing multiple drug charges, potentially resulting in seven years in prison. His case remains active as of December.

From Bond to Bust: Stricklett’s Second Act in One Week

On a Wednesday afternoon in November, Ronald Stricklett, a self-identified neo-Nazi, was arrested for drugs shortly after being released on bond. Police raided his Somerset Drive home, finding him in possession of illegal substances. Alongside him was Zoey Ray, arrested for violating probation. Stricklett’s criminal history spans decades, including burglary and drug offenses, while Ray’s arrest marks her 12th since 2018, primarily for drug-related charges.