Feds arrests Tucson college student on drug charges
TUCSON, Ariz. – A 20-year-old community college student was arrested Thursday night at a westside Tucson apartment complex on three felony counts related to illegal drug distribution. This investigation was conducted by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and the Arizona’s HIDTA Counter Narcotics Alliance (CNA).
Michael Mugavero of Tucson, is suspected of using social media including posting videos to advertise the sale of drugs, which he had illegally imported from Canada through an international mail parcel. In addition to the arrest, HSI special agents and CNA detectives seized approximately 7,000 Xanax pills, with a street value of more than $100,000 USD.
The investigation began earlier this month when Customs and Border Protection at the New York and Canadian border contacted HSI special agents in Tucson after seizing two separate parcels containing Xanax pills earmarked to the defendant. Soon after being notified of the parcels, HSI in corporation with CNA and the United States Postal Inspector Service (USPIS) initiated an investigation into this organization which resulted in the execution of a state search warrant and the arrest of Mugavero. Agents also seized several electronic devices he used to market and advertise the pills for sale.
“The collaboration with our law enforcement partners is the strongest it has ever been,” said Scott Brown, special agent in charge for HSI Phoenix. “This arrest will not be the last as HSI will continue to focus our resources to break-up illicit activities, to include those aimed at college students by targeting them through social media.”
“Through our effective and efficient law enforcement collaboration, we are able to dedicate proper attention to the emerging threats that plague our communities,” said John Levitt, captain of the CNA. “Seizing such a large amount of pills is a testament to the excellent working relationship between our agencies and sends a clear message that we will stop at nothing to apprehend those involved in illicit drug activity.”
The Pima County Attorney’s Office is prosecuting the case. All defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty in court.
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