California Man Busted for Heroin Trafficking

California Man Busted for Heroin Trafficking

A California man is facing up to 20 years in federal prison after pleading guilty to a heroin trafficking charge in New Mexico. Raul Fernandez, Jr., 29, of Simi Valley, Calif., pleaded guilty to possession of heroin with intent to distribute.

Fernandez was arrested on October 19, 2015, at the Amtrak Train Station in Albuquerque after the DEA seized approximately two kilograms (4.4 pounds) of heroin from him. The heroin was concealed in a false compartment in his luggage.

Fernandez was to be paid $5,000 for transporting the heroin from Simi Valley to Cincinnati, Ohio, according to court documents.

During today’s proceedings, Fernandez admitted to possessing the heroin and to his role in the trafficking operation. He remains in custody pending a sentencing hearing, which has yet to be scheduled.

The case was investigated by the Albuquerque office of the DEA and is part of the New Mexico Heroin and Opioid Prevention and Education (HOPE) Initiative. The HOPE Initiative is a collaborative effort between the U.S. Attorney’s Office and the University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center aimed at reducing opioid-related deaths in the District of New Mexico.

The HOPE Initiative has five components: prevention and education, treatment, law enforcement, reentry, and strategic planning. The law enforcement component targets members of major heroin trafficking organizations for investigation and prosecution.

Fernandez’s sentencing hearing will determine the extent of his punishment. He faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison followed by not less than three years of supervised release.