Juan Leyva Benavides/Mexico/Marijuana Smuggling

Mexican national Juan Leyva Benavides was arrested in Sandstone, Minnesota, after authorities tied him to a cross‑border marijuana‑smuggling scheme and a prior immigration history. Investigators allege that Benavides helped move marijuana into the United States for distribution, conduct treated as smuggling rather than simple use, and that he also possessed other controlled substances when taken into custody. His record additionally lists a probation violation, reflecting that he was already under court‑ordered supervision at the time of the new arrest.

Following the Sandstone arrest, federal officials opened an illegal reentry case, asserting that Benavides had returned to the country after a previous removal linked to criminal conduct. The combination of marijuana smuggling, drug possession, a probation violation, and alleged illegal reentry led prosecutors to seek his continued detention while they prepare formal charges and present the case to a federal judge.