A Mexican citizen has pleaded guilty to conspiring to import fentanyl and cocaine into the United States, according to an announcement from U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei. Erik Villegas Cusi, 49, from Queretaro, Mexico, admitted his role in smuggling four kilograms of fentanyl and two kilograms of cocaine.
On February 14, Cusi attempted to cross the International Bridge No. 2 in Laredo, Texas, driving a sedan with his wife and minor son as passengers. An x-ray scan of the vehicle detected irregularities in the car’s center area. Further inspection led authorities to drill into the undercarriage where they found an aftermarket compartment containing six bundles with over four kilograms of fentanyl and just over two kilograms of cocaine.
Initially, Cusi denied any knowledge of the drugs and suggested that a mechanic in Mexico might have been responsible for their presence. However, when law enforcement had him contact the mechanic directly, the mechanic stated he had only worked on the brakes.
Investigators discovered significant modifications made to the vehicle’s underbody for concealment purposes. The muffler and catalytic converter had been removed, reshaped, rewelded, and reinstalled to help create a hidden compartment. There were also cuts beneath the center console and extra insulation used to seal off the space after placing drugs inside.
As part of his plea agreement, Cusi acknowledged that he conspired with others in Mexico to smuggle drugs into the United States during this family trip. Court documents indicate that he was aware he was transporting drugs across the border at Laredo and planned to deliver the car containing narcotics to others within the United States.
U.S. District Judge Diana Saldaña will determine sentencing at a future date. Villegas-Cusi could face up to life imprisonment and a maximum fine of $1 million if convicted on all charges.
Cusi remains in custody pending sentencing.
The investigation was conducted by Immigration and Customs Enforcement – Homeland Security Investigations with support from Customs and Border Protection (including its Laredo Evidence Collection Team) as well as assistance from the Drug Enforcement Administration Southwest Regional Laboratory. Assistant U.S. Attorney Homero Ramirez is prosecuting this case.
This prosecution is part of Operation Take Back America—a national effort by the Department of Justice designed to combat illegal immigration activities as well as eliminate cartels and transnational criminal organizations through coordinated law enforcement initiatives involving multiple agencies such as Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces and Project Safe Neighborhoods.
