Arnoldo Oswaldo Vargas-Samayoa, a Guatemalan national, has been sentenced to 14 years in prison by a federal court for his role in managing a cocaine trafficking organization. This group smuggled over 1,000 pounds of cocaine into the United States from Guatemala. Vargas-Samayoa surrendered to U.S. authorities in June 2024 and pleaded guilty to conspiracy charges related to importing cocaine.
U.S. District Judge Cathy Ann Bencivengo remarked that Vargas-Samayoa was a "manager of a very extensive international drug ring" and noted that his actions were not accidental but rather deliberate choices.
Vargas admitted sourcing cocaine from two Guatemalan suppliers and coordinating its delivery to a Mexico-based trafficker. The drugs were concealed in vehicles and smuggled through Southern California and Texas ports of entry. Law enforcement intercepted communications between Vargas and the trafficker during these operations. Once inside the U.S., some of the cocaine was distributed further into Chicago, with Vargas earning $1,000 per kilogram delivered.
U.S. Attorney Adam Gordon emphasized the dangers of cocaine, stating: "Cocaine continues to be a dangerous and highly addictive drug with devastating consequences for individuals and communities." He reiterated their commitment to dismantling drug supply chains.
Shawn Gibson, special agent in charge for HSI San Diego, stated: "This sentencing sends the message that those who traffic dangerous drugs into our country will be held accountable." He praised law enforcement efforts that disrupted this significant drug trafficking network.
The investigation led to multiple convictions related to this trafficking organization, including seizures of over 1,000 kilograms of cocaine, more than $2 million in currency, and firearms.
Vargas' father, Arnoldo Vargas Estrada, was previously convicted on narcotics importation charges in New York and served time before returning to Guatemala where he was reelected as mayor until 2024.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America aimed at eliminating cartels and transnational criminal organizations. It involves cooperation among various law enforcement agencies under the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF).
Assistant U.S. Attorney Larry Casper is prosecuting this case against Arnoldo Oswaldo Vargas-Samayoa.
