Heroin Highway: Serna Gets 151 Months

ALBUQUERQUE – Mario A. Serna, a man attempting to flood North Carolina streets with poison, will spend the next 12 years and 7 months behind bars. Serna, a resident of California, received a 151-month federal sentence today for trafficking over 2 kilograms of heroin via rail. Forget parole; in the federal system, that’s a relic of the past.

The bust went down on February 26, 2021. Federal agents boarded a train in Bernalillo County and found Serna clutching a bag concealing a false compartment – and inside, enough heroin to ruin countless lives. Court documents confirm Serna wasn’t a clueless mule. He admitted knowing full well he possessed the narcotics and intended to deliver them to North Carolina for distribution. He thought he could outsmart the system; he was wrong.

The DEA wasn’t buying Serna’s story. The investigation, spearheaded by the Drug Enforcement Administration’s El Paso Division with crucial support from the Albuquerque Police Department, quickly unraveled his scheme. Agents traced the heroin’s origin and confirmed Serna’s intent to profit from misery. This wasn’t a first offense, and authorities suspect connections to larger trafficking networks.

“This sentence sends a clear message: New Mexico is not a safe haven for drug traffickers,” stated U.S. Attorney Alexander M.M. Uballez. “We will relentlessly pursue those who seek to profit from the destruction caused by heroin and hold them accountable to the fullest extent of the law.” Special Agent in Charge Towanda R. Thorne-James echoed the sentiment, emphasizing the DEA’s commitment to disrupting the flow of deadly drugs into communities.

Assistant United States Attorney Joseph M. Spindle skillfully prosecuted the case, presenting a mountain of evidence that left Serna with little room to maneuver. While Serna will serve a lengthy prison term, his troubles won’t end at the prison gates. Upon release, he’ll face three years of supervised release, a constant reminder of his crimes and a watchful eye to prevent recidivism.

The Grimy Times will continue to monitor federal cases like this, exposing the underbelly of crime and holding those responsible accountable. The heroin trade remains a brutal business, and we’ll be there to document every arrest, every conviction, and every ounce of misery it leaves in its wake.

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