Two women from Monterrey, Mexico, have pleaded guilty to their roles in smuggling nearly 1000 grams of heroin into the United States. Maria Luisa Hernandez-Alanis, 41, and Tania Melissa Coutino-Hernandez, 40, admitted to the crime, which occurred on September 4 in Laredo, Texas.
According to the investigation, Hernandez-Alanis and Coutino-Hernandez arrived at the Juarez-Lincoln Bridge Port of Entry in a vehicle, presenting B1/B2 tourist visas for entry into the United States. However, at secondary inspection, law enforcement discovered two yellow bags of potato chips inside of Coutino-Hernandez’s purse, which contained heroin bundles weighing 983.9 grams.
The investigation revealed that the pair were both aware of the drugs and were going to be paid $300 each to cross into the country with them. The co-conspirators planned on returning to Mexico with a large amount of cash.
Hernandez-Alanis and Coutino-Hernandez face up to 40 years in prison and a possible $5 million maximum fine. U.S. District Judge Marina Garcia Marmolejo will impose sentencing at a later date.
Both Hernandez-Alanis and Coutino-Hernandez have been in custody since their arrest and will remain there pending sentencing. The Drug Enforcement Administration conducted the investigation with the assistance of Customs and Border Protection. Assistant U.S. Attorney Paul A. Harrison is prosecuting the case.
The case highlights the ongoing issue of heroin smuggling at the U.S.-Mexico border. The U.S. government continues to take steps to combat the flow of illicit substances into the country.
Hernandez-Alanis and Coutino-Hernandez’s guilty pleas mark a significant development in the case, which is ongoing. The sentencing hearing will provide further insight into the outcome of the case.
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Key Facts
- State: Texas
- Category: Drug Trafficking
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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