Anchorage Drug Trafficking Leader Sentenced to 30 Years in Prison

ANCHORAGE, Alaska – Marcelino Juarez, 31, was sentenced on Wednesday, February 25, 2026, to 30 years in prison for leading a drug trafficking organization that attempted to bring fentanyl and heroin into Alaska, according to the Department of Justice [1, 2].

Details of the Conspiracy

Juarez led a conspiracy to purchase fentanyl and heroin in California and transport the drugs to Alaska via mail or checked airline baggage [2]. Court documents reveal he conspired with five others, including his brother, Julio Juarez [2]. The Juarez brothers, along with their co-conspirators, have connections to California and were identified as known gang members by the Stockton Police Department [1].

Investigation and Arrest

Law enforcement identified Juarez as a drug supplier in Anchorage as early as September 2022. A search warrant executed on September 13, 2022, at a trailer where Juarez was living uncovered over $71,000 in cash and a Draco AK-style pistol with a loaded magazine [2].

The investigation culminated on August 22, 2024, when U.S. Postal Inspection Service agents flagged a suspicious parcel destined for Anchorage. A subsequent search warrant on August 26, 2024, revealed over two kilograms of fentanyl [2].

A controlled delivery of the parcel led to Juarez being observed entering a residence and leaving with the package alongside Semaj Brown, a co-conspirator. Both vehicles were stopped, resulting in Juarez’s arrest and the detention of Brandon Garrett, an occupant of the other vehicle [2].

Further investigation revealed that Brown and Shane Murphy flew from Anchorage to Los Angeles between July 3–5, 2024, to purchase heroin and fentanyl [2].

Seized Drugs and Sentencing

Throughout the operation, law enforcement seized at least 36 kilograms of fentanyl and 10 kilograms of heroin linked to the conspiracy [2].

On July 28, 2025, Juarez pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute controlled substances [2]. In addition to the 30-year prison sentence, the court ordered Juarez to pay a $50,000 fine and serve 20 years of supervised release upon completion of his sentence [2].

“The Juarez brothers, along with their co-conspirators, are known California gangsters who moved to Alaska for the sole purpose of trafficking fentanyl and other dangerous drugs,” said Special Agent in Charge Rebecca Day of the FBI Anchorage Field Office [2].