Altagracia Guadalupe Vargas, Heroin Smuggling, Texas 2014

Laredo, Texas – A local woman has been convicted of heroin smuggling, putting her at risk of a lengthy prison sentence and significant fine.

Altagracia Guadalupe Vargas, 28, of Laredo, was found guilty of conspiracy and possession with the intent to distribute heroin. The verdict was delivered following a three-day trial and approximately one hour of deliberation by the jury.

The jury heard that on December 12, 2014, Vargas conspired to smuggle approximately 3.5 kilograms of heroin through the U.S. Border Patrol checkpoint on Interstate 35. Vargas was a passenger on a Turimex bus and attempted to smuggle the black-tar heroin in the inner linings of two carry-on bags. Vargas was questioned and gave multiple inconsistent statements.

At trial, the government presented testimony from law enforcement and other experts who explained the discovery of the heroin and its value of more than $100,000. Vargas testified in her defense and claimed no knowledge of the drugs and that she believed the bags contained computer tools that were concealed to prevent theft. She said the bags belonged to a man named ‘Don Tono,’ which contradicted her earlier statement that the bag belonged to her sister. Vargas also testified she received $50 from Don Tono for this trip. However, the government demonstrated that she had actually paid $75 of her own money for the bus ticket, which would have resulted in a $25 loss.

U.S. District Judge Diana Saldana presided over the trial. Sentencing will be scheduled at a later date, at which time Vargas faces a minimum of 10 years and up to life in federal prison, as well as a possible $10 million fine.

The charges are the result of an investigation by Border Patrol, Drug Enforcement Administration, and Customs and Border Protection. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Alfredo De La Rosa and Sanjeev Bhasker prosecuted the case.

Vargas’s conviction serves as a reminder of the ongoing efforts to combat heroin trafficking in the region. As the investigation and prosecution of these cases continue, it is clear that the consequences for those involved can be severe.

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