PHOENIX — An Arizona man was sentenced last month to 18 years in prison after using a 7-year-old child to conceal 23,000 fentanyl pills, authorities announced.

According to the Yavapai County Sheriff’s Office, 57-year-old Vincent Benny Peraza was sentenced on charges of involving or using a minor in a drug offense and the sale or transportation of narcotic drugs.

On July 13, 2021, a deputy K9 with YCSO conducted a traffic stop on a car, near Cordes Junction, that Peraza was a passenger in. In the car, he was seated next to a 7-year-old child.

According to YCSO, as the occupants were exiting the vehicle, the child was holding a backpack that he told deputies belonged to Peraza.

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