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Fentanyl Trafficking Charge Filed Against Woman
A federal drug trafficking charge has been filed against Daniela Cota-Guitimea, a 21-year-old U.S. citizen who resides in Mexico, following a DEA seizure of approximately 18.144 pounds of fentanyl in Albuquerque on April 16, 2019.
The DEA arrested Cota-Guitimea after seizing the fentanyl from her luggage during an interdiction investigation in Albuquerque. The charge, which was found to have probable cause by a U.S. Magistrate Judge, carries a statutory minimum penalty of ten years and a maximum of life in federal prison.
Cota-Guitimea was remanded into custody pending trial based on judicial findings that she poses a risk of flight and a danger to the community. The case was investigated by the DEA and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew T. Nelson.
The penalty for a conviction on the offense charged in the criminal complaint is a statutory minimum penalty of ten years and a maximum of life in federal prison. Charges in criminal complaints are merely accusations, and defendants are presumed innocent unless found guilty in a court of law.
The DEA seized approximately 8.10 gross kilograms (18.144 pounds) of fentanyl from Cota-Guitimea’s luggage during the investigation. This amount of fentanyl is a significant threat to public safety, and law enforcement agencies are working tirelessly to combat the opioid epidemic.
The case highlights the ongoing struggle against opioid trafficking and the importance of interagency cooperation in combating this threat to public safety. The DEA and its partners will continue to work to disrupt and dismantle opioid trafficking networks and bring those responsible to justice.
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RELATED: Fentanyl Felon Charged
Key Facts
- State: New Mexico
- Category: Drug Trafficking
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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