Defendant Named in Fentanyl Cocaine Smuggling Case in Texas

LAREDO, Texas – In a shocking case of fentanyl and cocaine smuggling, 49-year-old Erik Villegas Cusi, a resident of Queretaro, Queretaro, Mexico, has admitted to conspiring to import four kilograms of fentanyl and two kilograms of cocaine from Mexico.

On February 14, Cusi approached the International Bridge No. 2 in a sedan with his wife and minor son as passengers. An x-ray of his vehicle revealed anomalies in the center of the car, prompting further inspection. Authorities drilled into the undercarriage and discovered an aftermarket compartment containing six bundles with 4.02 kilograms of fentanyl and 2.05 kilograms of cocaine.

Cusi initially denied knowledge of the drugs and claimed a mechanic in Mexico may have been responsible. However, in the presence of law enforcement, he contacted the mechanic who confirmed he had only performed brake work. Further investigation revealed significant underbody modifications to create the hidden compartment, including the removal and reshaping of the muffler and catalytic converter.

As part of his plea, Cusi admitted he had conspired with others in Mexico to smuggle the drugs into the United States during the family trip. He knew he was transporting the drugs from Mexico into the United States at Laredo and was then supposed to deliver the drug-laden vehicle to other people in the United States.

U.S. District Judge Diana Saldaña will impose sentencing at a later date. At that time, Cusi faces up to life in federal prison and a possible $1 million maximum fine. Cusi has been and will remain in custody pending that hearing.

The investigation was conducted by Immigration and Customs Enforcement – Homeland Security Investigations with the assistance of Customs and Border Protection, its Laredo Evidence Collection Team and the Drug Enforcement Administration Southwest Regional Laboratory. Assistant U.S. Attorney Homero Ramirez prosecuted the case.

This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.

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