In a recent federal case in Texas, a Mexican man admitted guilt in a drug smuggling attempt that could put him behind bars for at least a decade. Federico De Los Rios Rios of Durango, Mexico, was captured attempting to bring fentanyl and cocaine into the United States via Eagle Pass and now faces substantial prison time.
Last October, De Los Rios arrived at a port of entry with his wife and child, presenting a US visa. The situation took a dramatic turn when customs authorities uncovered some irregularities during a car scan, prompting them to order a further check. The terrible finding of a concealed hoard of drugs occurred here—bundles of potential tragedy buried beneath a seat, excavated by the sharp senses of a trained canine, followed by the relentless hands of law enforcement. According to a statement released by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Texas, the stockpile contained more than 2 kilograms of fentanyl and 11 kilograms of cocaine.
De Los Rios’ admission shed light on the drug trade’s shadowy underworld. He claimed that he was directed to drive from his house to Orlando, Florida, enticed by the prospect of $700 up front and a substantial $10,000 upon delivery. His guilty plea, specifically to one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute fentanyl, exposes him to a sentence ranging from 10 years to life in prison, along with a potential fine of $10 million. It serves as a sharp reminder of the toll paid by individuals drawn into the narcotics trade, which is frequently motivated by desperate socioeconomic currents.
Acting US Attorney Margaret Leachman underscored the gravity of the violation and law enforcement’s unwavering efforts to protect national borders from such illegal activity in announcing the guilty plea. Homeland Security Investigations took over the case, with Assistant U.S. Attorney Matt Kass serving as the prosecutor. A federal district court judge will sentence De Los Rios based on the US Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory criteria. There is currently no date set for the sentence.
