Saul Flores-Banuelos, Pesticide Smuggling, California 2021

San Diego, CA – Saul Flores-Banuelos was sentenced to federal prison in April 2021 after admitting to smuggling illegal pesticides into the United States from Mexico. The case, investigated by the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Criminal Investigation Division, highlights a growing concern: the link between illicit marijuana cultivation and the use of banned and dangerous agricultural chemicals.

Flores-Banuelos was initially apprehended in April 2020 while attempting to cross the border. Customs and Border Protection officers discovered eight one-liter bottles of “Qufuran,” a highly toxic pesticide not approved for use in the U.S., along with four bottles of alcohol and four kilograms of various medications concealed within his vehicle. Investigators quickly determined the likely destination for the Qufuran was clandestine marijuana grow operations operating on both public and private lands throughout California and potentially other states.

The EPA’s investigation revealed that these illegal grows frequently rely on restricted pesticides to maximize yields, disregarding environmental and public health risks. Qufuran, for example, is known to be highly detrimental to beneficial insects, wildlife, and potentially humans. Its use leaves dangerous residues on the marijuana itself and contaminates the surrounding environment, including water sources and soil.

“These illegal pesticides pose a significant threat to our environment and public health,” stated an EPA spokesperson. “Growers using these substances are often motivated by profit and show a blatant disregard for the law and the well-being of communities.” The use of such chemicals also creates a dangerous situation for law enforcement and others who may come into contact with the contaminated areas.

On April 27, 2021, Flores-Banuelos pleaded guilty to violating 18 U.S.C. 545, a Title 18 United States Criminal Code statute covering false statements and entering/importing merchandise. He was subsequently sentenced to two months of incarceration, followed by two years of supervised release. Additionally, the court ordered Flores-Banuelos to pay $1,200 in restitution to cover the costs associated with the investigation and environmental remediation.

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Key Facts

Defendant: Saul Flores-Banuelos
Crime: Smuggling illegal pesticides (Qufuran) into the U.S.
Location: California border crossing
Date of Arrest: April 2020
Date of Sentencing: April 27, 2021
Statute Violated: 18 U.S.C. 545
Penalty: 2 months incarceration, 2 years supervised release, $1,200 restitution
The smuggled pesticides are linked to illegal marijuana cultivation operations.

The case serves as a warning to others attempting to profit from illegal activities that endanger the environment and public safety. The EPA continues to work with federal, state, and local partners to investigate and prosecute individuals involved in the illegal pesticide trade and the illicit marijuana industry.

Source: EPA ECHO Enforcement Case Database

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