Rosa De Arcos, who is accused of drug trafficking, was extradited from Mexico to the United States on August 8 and arraigned in federal court. The charges include importing and conspiring to distribute methamphetamine, fentanyl, and cocaine. Her extradition follows an investigation by ICE Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) San Diego.
De Arcos left for Mexico in 2018 with co-defendant Maria Elena Urena Cervantes after both were implicated through wiretap evidence and arrested in 2017 for hiding 34 pounds of fentanyl in a vehicle. After initially appearing in court, both failed to attend later hearings. This led to bail jumping charges and prompted extradition efforts by law enforcement agencies.
Urena was previously extradited in December 2023 and pleaded guilty in July 2024. De Arcos was apprehended by Mexican authorities in April 2025 after several years of pursuit by law enforcement. She now faces a status hearing scheduled for August 25.
“Rosa De Arcos's extradition and arraignment highlight the success of our efforts to combat transnational drug trafficking organizations,” said Shawn Gibson, Special Agent in Charge of HSI San Diego. “This case underscores HSI's unwavering commitment to pursuing justice, dismantling criminal networks, and protecting our communities from the devastating impact of dangerous narcotics. Through close collaboration with our domestic and international partners, we have demonstrated that those who attempt to evade accountability will ultimately face the full weight of the law.”
More information is available at Justice.gov.
