Hernan Cortez and Daniel Elizondo, Fentanyl Trafficking, Texas 2024

Fentanyl Dealers Sentenced to Federal Prison in Laredo

LareDo, Texas – In a recent move to combat the deadly fentanyl epidemic plaguing the nation, two Texas residents have been sentenced to federal prison for their roles in a fentanyl trafficking operation. Hernan Cortez, 40, of Houston, and Daniel Elizondo, 37, of Laredo, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute fentanyl on January 8th.

U.S. District Judge John A. Kazen handed down the sentences, imposing a 63-month-term of imprisonment for Elizondo, while Cortez received a 66-month sentence. Both men must also serve four years of supervised release following completion of their sentences.

According to the investigation, Cortez transported approximately a half of a kilogram of fentanyl from Houston to Laredo on August 28th, intending to sell the drugs with Elizondo’s assistance. The following day, Cortez brought the fentanyl to a stash house where Elizondo was located. However, authorities conducting surveillance observed Elizondo exit the house wearing a black satchel bag and walk into an alleyway connected to an adjoining property, only to return without the bag.

Authorities executed a search warrant and discovered 274 grams of fentanyl hidden in a tire wheel in the covered alleyway between the two properties. Cortez initially believed the narcotics were cocaine or heroin and attempted to sell them in Houston, but was unable to find any buyers due to the fact that they were actually fentanyl.

The Drug Enforcement Administration conducted the investigation with the assistance of the Laredo Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Andrew P. Hakala-Finch prosecuted the case.

Cortez and Elizondo have been and will remain in custody pending transfer to a Federal Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future. The sentences handed down by Judge Kazen serve as a stark reminder of the deadly consequences of fentanyl trafficking and the ongoing efforts of law enforcement to combat this epidemic.

MORE FEDERAL CRIME NEWS

Drug Trafficking

Manuel Small, Possessing Methamphetamine for Sale, Wisconsin 2018

Aug 8, 2019

Drug Trafficking

Amanda Lee, Methamphetamine Conspiracy, Iowa 2015

Apr 16, 2015

Drug Trafficking

Aaron Jeffrey Denn, Conspiracy to Distribute Oxycodone, Louisiana 2019

Nov 5, 2019

Drug Trafficking

Uryan Frymire, Cocaine Trafficking, Indiana 2017

Jan 20, 2017