Thermal, California residents Otilio Rodriguez Toledo and Alicia Aispuro Hernandez have been sentenced for their roles in a multimillion-dollar trafficking scheme that involved smuggling and distributing pesticides and veterinary drugs across the U.S.-Mexico border.
According to court records, Toledo and Hernandez have been smuggling pesticides and veterinary drugs from Mexico into the United States since at least December 2018. The pesticides involved were primarily Taktic and Bovitraz, which are not registered with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for use in the United States.
The smuggled veterinary drugs included Tetragent Aves, Metabolase, Terramicina, Cipio Vet, Baytril Max, Tylovet, Caterrol, Penicilina, and Tylosma, which are not approved by the FDA for use in the United States.
Toledo was sentenced to five months in prison followed by 24 months of supervised release, while Hernandez was sentenced to time served followed by 18 months of supervised release. The couple was also ordered to jointly pay $2.19 million in forfeiture.
Acting Assistant Attorney General Adam Gustafson praised the investigation, saying, ‘This case reflects our commitment to defend our southern border against those who traffic in unlawful substances that jeopardize the health and safety of Americans.’
U.S. Attorney Adam Gordon added, ‘Selling illegal pesticides and veterinary drugs endangers people, animals, and the environment.’
The investigation was a result of cooperation between multiple law enforcement agencies, including the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Office of Enforcement and Compliance Assurance, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Office of Criminal Investigations, and U.S. Customs and Border Protection.
Otilio Rodriguez Toledo and Alicia Aispuro Hernandez will face the consequences of their actions, having smuggled unregistered pesticides that are toxic to bees and humans.
The case serves as a reminder of the importance of enforcing customs laws to protect the health and safety of Americans.
Defendant: Otilio Rodriguez Toledo
Criminal Charges: Conspiring to smuggle and distribute Mexican pesticides and veterinary drugs not approved for use in the United States
City and State: Thermal, California
Exact Date: Not specified
Sentence or Outcome: Toledo sentenced to five months in prison followed by 24 months of supervised release, Hernandez sentenced to time served followed by 18 months of supervised release
Dollar Amount: $2.19 million
Key Facts
- State: California
- Category: Drug Trafficking|Environmental Crimes|White Collar Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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