Moises Moreno, Fentanyl Importation, California 2023

Moises Moreno, a 38-year-old man from Moreno Valley, California, was sentenced to 200 months in prison for importing over 36 kilograms of fentanyl from Mexico into the United States. In October 2022, a jury found him guilty of knowingly importing more than 80 pounds of counterfeit prescription pills containing fentanyl from Mexico.

Prosecutors presented evidence during the trial that Moreno attempted to smuggle the pills into the United States inside a sophisticated compartment in the roof of his pickup truck. The compartment was created by welding sheet metal underneath the truck’s roof to create a false ceiling where the pills were hidden.

Further evidence was presented from Moreno’s cell phone and calls he made to unidentified associates after his arrest. Moreno boasted about how he “played dumb” after his arrest and “acted like he thought they found weed in his car.” He also bragged about the amount of drugs he was caught smuggling and sang that he “got keys [a slang term for kilograms] coming from overseas,” a line from a popular hip hop song discussing drug trafficking.

The jury rejected Moreno’s story that he was set up by a female friend in Mexico, and instead returned a guilty verdict. This sentence sends a clear message to any would-be drug courier that you will receive a significant sentence in this district for your role in importing dangerous narcotics like fentanyl, said U.S. Attorney Randy Grossman.

Grossman thanked the prosecution team and Homeland Security Investigations for their hard work on this case. HSI will continue to direct its full range of investigative authorities toward those who smuggle deadly drugs across the border and into our communities, said Chad Plantz, special agent in charge of HSI San Diego.

Moreno was sentenced to 200 months in prison for importing over 36 kilograms of fentanyl from Mexico. He was found guilty of Importation of Fentanyl – Title 21, United States Code, Sections 851 and 952/960. Mandatory Minimum: Fifteen years in prison. Maximum penalties: Life in prison and $10 million fine.

HSI and U.S. Customs and Border Protection worked together to bring Moreno to justice. This significant sentence demonstrates the U.S. government’s resolve with holding all those who traffic in drugs accountable for their actions.

Related Federal Cases