One of two brothers from Mexico involved in a drug distribution operation was sentenced to 42 months in prison by the U.S. District Court in Seattle, according to an announcement by First Assistant U.S. Attorney Charles Neil Floyd. Benito Perez Aguilar, 29, of Kent, Washington, and his brother Antonio Perez Aguilar, 32, of Mill Creek, Washington, were arrested in May 2025 after a Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) investigation into their activities between 2022 and 2025. Both men used the alias “Miguel” during their trafficking operations across western Washington and do not have legal status in the United States.
“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.”
Robert A. Saccone, Special Agent in Charge of the DEA Seattle Field Division commented: “This investigation shut down a significant fentanyl and heroin distribution operation that was putting lives at risk across western Washington. 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. Investigations like this show that DEA and our partners will continue to target the criminal networks responsible for trafficking these deadly drugs and hold those who profit from this poison accountable.”
According to court records, law enforcement searched both brothers’ residences on May 16, 2025. At Benito’s home officers found approximately 76.5 grams of M-30 pills, over one kilogram of fentanyl powder along with scales, baggies and $20,285 in cash. At Antonio’s residence authorities seized nearly two kilograms of M-30 pills; more than eleven kilograms of fentanyl powder; over one kilogram of heroin; and $12,396 in cash.
Benito Perez Aguilar pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute controlled substances last November.
Prosecutors requested a five-year sentence for Benito Perez Aguilar due to the danger posed by the drugs distributed as well as evidence he had trafficked drugs previously. They referenced an incident from December 15, 2017 when he caused a multi-vehicle collision while driving under the influence and attempted to flee by offering another driver up to $2,000 for assistance leaving the scene. After being located by police he showed signs of intoxication; subsequent search of his vehicle revealed heroin and drug paraphernalia including scales and phones. He failed to appear for court proceedings related to this incident resulting in an outstanding warrant until his arrest in 2025.
U.S. District Judge Jamal N. Whitehead also ordered four years supervised release following completion of Benito Perez Aguilar’s prison term; however deportation is likely due to his immigration status.
Antonio Perez Aguilar received a four-year prison sentence last month. He had previously been convicted in state court for Solicitation to Delivery of a Controlled Substance (Cocaine) after purchasing $105,000 worth of cocaine and served four months imprisonment for that offense.
The DEA investigated this case which is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Rachel Yemini.
