HSI Laredo investigation results in guilty plea of Mexican citizen who concealed cocaine inside vehicle

LAREDO, Texas - A Mexican citizen pleaded guilty to conspiring to possess with intent to distribute more than thirteen pounds of cocaine, following an investigation conducted by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI).

Luis Carlos Rodriguez Elizondo, 23, from Monterrey, Mexico, pleaded guilty Jan. 4 to conspiring to possess with intent to distribute more than 13 pounds of cocaine.

According to court documents, on Oct. 2, 2022, Rodriguez-Elizondo attempted to drive through the Lincoln Juarez Port of Entry in Laredo. At that time, he told authorities he was visiting Six Flags and planned an overnight trip. However, he did not have luggage and did not have a believable travel itinerary.

An X-ray scan also revealed anomalies near the center console of his vehicle. Upon further inspection, law enforcement discovered several bundles containing cocaine. The drugs had an estimated street value of $150,000.

U.S. District Judge Marina Garcia Marmolejo will impose sentencing April 11. At that time, Rodriguez-Elizondo faces up to life in prison and a possible $10 million maximum fine.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Matthew Isaac and Michael Makens, Southern District of Texas, are prosecuting the case.

For additional information about HSI’s investigative efforts, follow @HSI_SanAntonio.

HSI is a directorate of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and the principal investigative arm of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), responsible for investigating transnational crime and threats, specifically those criminal organizations that exploit the global infrastructure through which international trade, travel, and finance move. HSI’s workforce of over 10,400 employees consists of more than 6,800 special agents assigned to 225 cities throughout the United States, and 93 overseas locations in 56 countries. HSI’s international presence represents DHS’s largest investigative law enforcement presence abroad and one of the largest international footprints in U.S. law enforcement.