New Orleans, Louisiana – Fulgenicio Cardenas-Rivera, a 35-year-old Mexican national, has been handed a heavy sentence in the grim arena of federal drug trafficking. sentenced on July 22, 2025, Cardenas-Rivera was locked up for 60 months after pleading guilty to possession with intent to distribute over half a kilogram of cocaine, a crime that violated United States Code Title 21, Sections 841(a)(1) and 841(b)(1)(B). The stiff penalty came from U.S. District Judge Brandon S. Long, who also ordered four years of supervised release and a $100 mandatory special assessment fee, as announced by Acting U.S. Attorney Michael M. Simpson.
According to court documents, Cardenas-Rivera braved the Eastern District of Louisiana with three kilograms of cocaine hidden in his car’s trunk. His objective was clear: to distribute this deadly drug. This case is a testament to the relentless efforts of federal and local law enforcement agencies, as it is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigation aimed at dismantling the highest-level drug traffickers.
The OCDETF employs a multi-agency approach, using intelligence-driven strategies to combat criminal networks. In this case, the DEA New Orleans Field Division Office took the lead in the investigation, with support from the Louisiana State Police, United States Border Patrol, Kenner Police Department, and Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office. Assistant United States Attorney Lynn E. Schiffman of the Narcotics Unit handled the prosecution.
Cardenas-Rivera’s sentence sends a chilling message to those who dare to traffic drugs in the United States. The justice system stands firm against such crimes, ensuring that punishment fits the gravity of the offense.
This case serves as a stark reminder of the deadly consequences of drug trafficking and the unwavering commitment of law enforcement agencies to protect the public from these threats.
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Key Facts
- State: Louisiana
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Drug Trafficking|Fraud & Financial Crimes|Organized Crime
- Source: Official Source ↗
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