Diego Bonillo, Fentanyl Trafficking, California 2025

A former U.S. Customs and Border Protection Officer, Diego Bonillo, 31, of Chula Vista, Mexico, has been sentenced to 15 years in prison for allowing vehicles containing methamphetamine, heroin, and fentanyl to enter the U.S.

According to court documents, Bonillo worked for a Mexico-based drug trafficking organization, where he accepted payment for using his official position to allow drug-laden vehicles into the U.S. from Mexico without inspection.

Bonillo admitted to allowing at least 75 kilograms of fentanyl, 11.7 kilograms of methamphetamine, and over 1 kilogram of heroin into the United States.

During the investigation, agents discovered that Bonillo used a second phone to transmit his lane assignments to members of the drug trafficking organization, allowing them to ensure their entry into the U.S.

The scheme began no later than October 2023 and continued until April 2024, with Bonillo allowing at least 15 vehicles to enter uninspected.

Bonillo used his proceeds to travel internationally, purchase luxury gifts, buy tickets to the Canelo versus Munguia boxing match, attempt to purchase property in Mexico, and spend time at the Hong Kong Gentlemen's Club in Tijuana, Mexico.

Bonillo was sentenced on November 7, 2025, and was charged with conspiracy to import controlled substances, importation of controlled substances, and other related charges.

The investigation was led by the FBI Border Corruption Task Force and included assistance from the Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Customs and Border Protection's Office of Professional Responsibility, and other agencies.

This case is a stark reminder of the corruption that can occur within law enforcement agencies and the devastating consequences of fentanyl trafficking.

Source: https://www.justice.gov/usao-sdca/pr/former-customs-and-border-protection-officer-sentenced-allowing-drug-laden-vehicles