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Maricopa County: Two arrested for selling meth in Tempe IKEA parking lot

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Authorities say a pair have been arrested after an undercover operation involving the dealing of methamphetamine.

A release from the Maricopa County Sheriff's Office says detectives arrested two people trying to sell meth in the parking lot of the IKEA, 2110 W. IDEA Way, near Interstate 10 and Warner Road.

The pair, identified as 38-year-old Jorge Tirurentas and 37-year-old Crystal Urias, were found with more than three pounds of meth and a .357 magnum pistol, MCSO said.

 Tirurentas was arrested in San Bernardino, California two years ago and served a sentence for weapons and drug charges. Upon his release, he was turned over to immigration authorities and deported to Mexico, according to the Maricopa County Sheriff's Office.

"Tirurentas has returned to the United States illegally and is continuing to distribute dangerous drugs into our communities and illegally possess dangerous weapons, " Sheriff Joe Arpaio said in a statement.

He faces three felony drug charges and one felony weapons charge. Urias was booked on three felony drug charges and was waiting for an initial appearance in court.