San Diego — A relentless seven-year pursuit culminated in the extradition of Rosa De Arcos, an alleged drug trafficker, back to the United States. De Arcos, who had been on the run since 2018 after fleeing to Mexico, was arraigned in federal court this week on charges related to methamphetamine, fentanyl, and cocaine importation.
De Arcos’ troubles began in May 2017 when she was nabbed with over 34 pounds of fentanyl hidden in her Jeep Wrangler. Despite the U.S.’s objections, she walked free on bond. Law enforcement had covertly intercepted communications revealing her and co-defendant Maria Elena Urena Cervantes’s involvement in drug smuggling months prior.
Urena was apprehended in December 2017 but also released on bond. Both faced trial in 2018 before skipping town after the scheduled status hearing, prompting a judge to issue no bail arrest warrants. The United States moved to forfeit their bonds.
In December 2018, De Arcos and Urena were indicted, with charges including bail jumping. Following Urena’s return from Mexico in 2023, she pleaded guilty to drug trafficking offenses alongside De Arcos. Her sentencing is set for December 15, 2025.
De Arcos was finally captured in April 2025, leading to her extradition to the United States on August 8, 2025. She now awaits a status hearing on August 25, 2025, facing life sentences and fines totaling $30 million if convicted.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Joseph Orabona and Shauna Prewitt with significant support from the Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs and various federal agencies.
RELATED: Rosa De Arcos Extradited from Mexico for Drug Smuggling Run\
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Key Facts
- State: California
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Drug Trafficking|Fraud & Financial Crimes|Violent Crime
- Source: Official Source ↗
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