Higinio Castillo, Drug Smuggling, Pennsylvania 2014

PHILADELPHIA – In a shocking turn of events, a large-scale drug smuggling operation led by Higinio Castillo, 25, of Philadelphia, has been dismantled and its leader sentenced to 20 years in prison. Castillo, the mastermind behind the Castillo Drug Smuggling Organization (CDSO), was found guilty of recruiting couriers to smuggle heroin and cocaine into the United States from the Dominican Republic.

The investigation into the CDSO revealed that between November 2010 and March 2012, Castillo and his associates imported over eight kilograms of heroin and over one kilogram of cocaine. Castillo lured unsuspecting individuals into acting as mules with promises of money and free vacations, but when they failed to deliver, he would resort to intimidation and threats.

Castillo's own supplier was a relative in the Dominican Republic, and he ran the operation with the help of co-defendant Michael Nunez-Rodriguez. Rodriguez and the nine remaining defendants have pleaded guilty and are awaiting sentencing.

The investigation was led by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) with assistance from U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Philadelphia Police, Pennsylvania State Police, and the Philadelphia District Attorney's Office. Assistant United States Attorney Nancy Rue is handling the prosecution.

As part of his sentence, Castillo will also serve 10 years of supervised release, pay a $5,000 fine, and pay a $1,300 special assessment. The government is seeking forfeiture of all assets derived from any criminal activity.

The case serves as a reminder of the dangers of drug smuggling and the importance of law enforcement agencies working together to combat organized crime. Castillo's sentence is a testament to the determination of law enforcement officials to bring those responsible for such crimes to justice.

Key Facts: Castillo's real full name is Higinio Castillo, and he was sentenced to 20 years in prison for running the Castillo Drug Smuggling Organization (CDSO). The operation imported over eight kilograms of heroin and over one kilogram of cocaine between November 2010 and March 2012. Castillo pleaded guilty on April 29, 2014, to 13 counts including conspiracy, kidnapping, and numerous drug charges.

Source: https://www.justice.gov/usao-edpa/pr/leader-drug-smuggling-operation-gets-long-prison-term