Federico De Los Rios Rios, Fentanyl and Cocaine Smuggling, Texas 2024
A Mexican national has been convicted of attempting to smuggle fentanyl and cocaine into the United States.
Federico De Los Rios Rios, a 37-year-old resident of Durango, Mexico, pleaded guilty in a federal court in Del Rio, Texas, to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute fentanyl.
According to court documents, De Los Rios Rios attempted to enter the U.S. from Mexico through the Eagle Pass port of entry on October 26, 2024. Accompanied by his wife and child, De Los Rios Rios presented a U.S. Visa to Customs and Border Protection officers and was referred to secondary inspection.
A scan of the vehicle revealed anomalies, and a canine inspection resulted in a positive alert. CBP officers inspected the rear of the vehicle and located a trap door under a seat, which contained multiple bundles wrapped in electrical tape.
One set of bundles weighed 2.14 kgs and was consistent with the properties of fentanyl. A second set of bundles weighed a total of 11.16 kgs and was consistent with the properties of cocaine. A Drug Enforcement Administration laboratory test confirmed the substances to be fentanyl and cocaine.
De Los Rios Rios admitted that he had been instructed to drive the vehicle from his home in Durango to Orlando, Florida, had been given $700 up front, and anticipated he would be paid an additional $10,000 once he arrived at the destination.
De Los Rios Rios pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute fentanyl. He faces 10 years to life in prison with a maximum $10 million fine. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
The case is being investigated by Homeland Security Investigations and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Matt Kass.
Defendant information:
Defendant: Federico De Los Rios Rios
Criminal Charges: Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute fentanyl
City and State: Del Rio, Texas
Date: October 26, 2024
Sentence: 10 years to life in prison, maximum $10 million fine
Dollar Amounts: $700 up front, $10,000 anticipated payment
Key Facts
- State: Texas
- Category: Drug Trafficking
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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