A high school senior from Castle Park High School in California has been charged with recruiting other juveniles to smuggle methamphetamine and fentanyl from Mexico.
Phillip Junior Webb, 18, of Tijuana, Mexico, was arraigned in federal court on May 7, 2018, before U.S. Magistrate Judge Bernard G. Skomal.
According to court documents, Webb recruited other high school students to smuggle methamphetamine and fentanyl into the United States on multiple occasions, including July 1, 2017, September 19, 2017, September 27, 2017, and October 23, 2017. The juveniles had drugs strapped on their bodies as they attempted to enter the United States at the San Ysidro or Otay Mesa Ports of Entry.
Last Friday, Webb was caught attempting to bring in a Chinese national and Mexican national into the United States in the trunk of his vehicle.
The defendant is facing charges of conspiracy to distribute controlled substances and bringing in unlawful aliens for financial gain. If convicted, Webb faces a maximum penalty of 10 years minimum to life in custody and a $1 million fine.
Webb’s next court appearance is on May 10, 2018, for a detention hearing and May 21, 2018, for a preliminary examination before Judge Skomal.
Webb’s case is a stark reminder of the dangers of drug trafficking and the exploitation of juveniles by drug cartels.
Key Facts
- State: California
- Category: Drug Trafficking
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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