Victor Piceno Madrigal, Fentanyl Trafficking, California 2026

Fresno, Calif. - A brazen attempt to smuggle fentanyl into the country has landed two men in hot water. On May 13, 2026, Victor Piceno Madrigal, 46, and Erick Larios Acosta, 25, were stopped for a traffic violation while driving northbound on U.S. Interstate-5 in Fresno County.

During a subsequent search of their vehicle, authorities discovered 7 kilograms of fentanyl powder, divided into single-kilogram packages, hidden inside the rear passenger door panel.

The Fresno County Sheriff’s Office and the Drug Enforcement Administration conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Antonio Pataca is prosecuting the case.

Madrigal and Acosta have been charged with conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute fentanyl and possession with intent to distribute fentanyl. If convicted, they face a mandatory minimum 10 years in prison up to life in prison and a $10 million fine.

The charges are only allegations; the defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the government to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations, and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.

The investigation and prosecution of this case are ongoing. The public is encouraged to report any information regarding this case to the authorities.

Source: https://www.justice.gov/usao-edca/pr/two-charged-trafficking-fentanyl-after-7-kilos-found-hidden-car-door-during-traffic