TUCSON, Ariz. – Francisco Nicolas Orozco-Montijo, 28, a United States citizen residing in Nogales, Mexico, is finally facing the consequences of his twisted crimes. On Wednesday, United States District Judge Rosemary Márquez handed Orozco-Montijo a harsh 63 months in prison, followed by 60 months of supervised release, for his role in importing over 50 kilograms of deadly fentanyl into the United States.
According to court documents, Orozco-Montijo’s journey to justice began in March 2023, when he attempted to enter the United States from Mexico via the DeConcini Port of Entry in Nogales, Arizona. What he didn’t know was that Customs and Border Protection agents were watching, and they quickly discovered the shocking truth behind his innocent-looking vehicle. A search of Orozco-Montijo’s car revealed a stash of over 50 kilograms of fentanyl cleverly concealed within the spare tire and rear quarter panels.
The investigation into Orozco-Montijo’s fentanyl empire was a joint effort between Homeland Security Investigations and the United States Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, Tucson. The latter handled the prosecution, bringing Orozco-Montijo to justice for his crimes.
Orozco-Montijo’s guilty plea on February 5, 2024, marked a significant turning point in the case. The 28-year-old Nogales resident was finally held accountable for his actions, and the sentence delivered by Judge Márquez was a stern reminder that fentanyl traffickers will not be tolerated in the United States.
The case against Orozco-Montijo serves as a stark reminder of the devastating impact of fentanyl on our communities. The synthetic opioid has claimed countless lives, and those responsible for its importation and distribution must be brought to justice.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, continues to prioritize the prosecution of fentanyl traffickers, and this case is a testament to their commitment to keeping our communities safe. For more information on the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/az/. Follow them on X @USAO_AZ for the latest news.
Case Number: CR-23-00943-TUC-RM. Release Number: 2024-059_Orozco-Montijo.
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Key Facts
- State: Arizona
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Drug Trafficking
- Source: Official Source ↗
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