Spokane, Washington – Jose Efrain Gonzalez-Rodriguez, a 24-year-old Mexican national unlawfully present in the United States, has been sentenced to federal prison on drug trafficking and firearm charges. Acting United States Attorney Richard R. Barker announced that Gonzalez-Rodriguez received a 120-month prison sentence followed by five years of supervised release after pleading guilty.
Court documents revealed that in May and June of 2024, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) gathered information indicating Gonzalez-Rodriguez's involvement with a Mexico-based drug trafficking organization. This group was responsible for transporting drugs from California to Spokane and distributing them throughout Eastern Washington.
On June 24, 2024, DEA agents executed a search warrant on Gonzalez-Rodriguez’s vehicle, discovering nearly two pounds of methamphetamine and 6,855 fentanyl pills. A subsequent search of his Spokane apartment uncovered an additional 59,529 fentanyl pills, almost three pounds of methamphetamine, over one pound of cocaine, heroin quantities, and four pistols wrapped for transport—two reported stolen.
“Fentanyl is killing people across Eastern Washington. Those who traffic in this poison—along with other deadly drugs and illegal firearms—will be held accountable,” stated Acting U.S. Attorney Richard R. Barker. “Mr. Gonzalez-Rodriguez brought significant quantities of poison and stolen weapons into our community, putting lives at risk."
David F. Reames, Special Agent in Charge of the DEA Seattle Field Division said: “This case highlights the intersection of drug trafficking, firearms, and illegal immigration." He emphasized that "Mr. Gonzalez Rodriguez endangered our community on all three fronts."
The investigation was conducted by the DEA with support from the Spokane Regional Anti-Violence Enforcement and Narcotics task force (RAVEN) and the United States Border Patrol.
