Nicholas J. Ganjei United States Attorney for the Southern District of Texas | U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Texas
A Mexican national, Azael Barrientos-Regalado, has been sentenced to 60 months in federal prison for his involvement in a fentanyl distribution conspiracy. The announcement was made by U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei.
Barrientos-Regalado, who pleaded guilty on September 13, 2024, was involved in distributing approximately 987 grams of fentanyl powder and 4,568 fentanyl pills. U.S. District Judge Nelva Gonzales Ramos noted the seriousness of the crime while delivering the sentence.
In 2020, Barrientos was granted political asylum due to credible fear of Mexican cartels. The investigation revealed that he facilitated the transportation and delivery of over one kilogram of fentanyl from the Rio Grande Valley to Houston for further distribution across the United States.
Barrientos-Regalado coordinated drug transportation by hiring drivers to pass through Border Patrol checkpoints. Authorities seized a total of 987 grams of fentanyl powder and pills weighing 450.9 grams containing fentanyl.
Following his imprisonment, Barrientos-Regalado is expected to face removal proceedings as he is not a U.S. citizen. He will remain in custody until transferred to a Federal Bureau of Prisons facility.
The Drug Enforcement Administration and Border Patrol conducted the joint investigation, with Assistant U.S. Attorneys Liesel Roscher and Joseph Griffith prosecuting the case.
