A Mexican citizen has been sentenced to federal prison for attempting to smuggle fentanyl and cocaine into the United States while traveling with his family, according to an announcement from U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei.
Erik Villegas Cusi, 50, of Queretaro, Mexico, pleaded guilty on September 29, 2025, to conspiring to import four kilograms of fentanyl and two kilograms of cocaine from Mexico. U.S. District Judge Diana Saldaña sentenced him to 51 months in federal prison on January 29, 2026. Because Cusi is not a U.S. citizen, he is expected to face removal proceedings after serving his sentence.
In court, Judge Saldaña commented on the "toxic nature of this drug and the effect it currently has on the population of the United States."
The incident occurred on February 14, 2025, when Cusi approached International Bridge No. 2 in Laredo driving a sedan with his wife and minor son as passengers. An x-ray scan detected anomalies in the vehicle’s center area. Further inspection led authorities to drill into the undercarriage where they found an aftermarket compartment containing six bundles—4.02 kilograms of fentanyl and 2.05 kilograms of cocaine.
Cusi initially denied knowing about the drugs and suggested that a mechanic in Mexico might have been responsible. However, when law enforcement officers had him contact the mechanic directly, the mechanic confirmed he had only performed brake work.
Investigators found extensive modifications under the car’s body designed to create a hidden compartment for smuggling drugs. The muffler and catalytic converter had been removed, reshaped, rewelded and reinstalled; cuts were made beneath the center console; and extra insulation was used to seal off the compartment after placing drugs inside.
As part of his plea agreement, Cusi admitted that he conspired with others in Mexico to smuggle drugs into the United States during his family trip. Court documents state that Cusi knew he was transporting illegal substances from Mexico into Laredo and intended to deliver them within the United States.
Cusi remains in custody pending transfer to a Federal Bureau of Prisons facility.
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) and the Drug Enforcement Administration Southwest Regional Laboratory. Former Assistant U.S. Attorney Homero Ramirez prosecuted the case.
The prosecution falls under Operation Take Back America—a Department of Justice initiative aimed at combating illegal immigration, dismantling cartels and transnational criminal organizations, and protecting communities from violent crime perpetrators.
