HSI probe leads to the sentencing of a Mexican drug smuggler for his role in a poly-drug case
McALLEN, Texas – A Mexican man was sentenced July 21 for knowingly and intentionally importing cocaine and meth into the United States from Mexico following an investigation by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI).
Francisco Garduno Bobadilla, 58, was sentenced to serve 63 months in federal prison. In handing down the sentence, the court noted that if someone agrees to involve themselves in a crime, even if only moments before it happens, they are still held liable. Bobadilla is a not a U.S. citizen; therefore, he is expected to face removal proceedings following imprisonment. Bobadilla pleaded guilty April 29.
“While some may mistakenly view smuggling-controlled substances as a path to a quick profit, the sentencing of Bobadilla demonstrates that serious consequences await those who engage in this criminal activity,” said Craig Larrabee, special agent in charge of HSI San Antonio. “HSI will continue to protect our south Texas communities and bring drug smugglers to justice.”
According to court documents, Bobadilla arrived at the Hidalgo Port of Entry Feb. 1, 2021, driving a red Dodge Avenger. There, a K-9 alerted to the presence of narcotics hidden inside the vehicle. Authorities sent him to secondary inspection where they soon found bundles of cocaine and meth hidden within the panels of his vehicle. The drugs had a combined weight of 13 kilograms – 11 and two kilograms for the meth and cocaine, respectively, with an estimated street value over $100,000.
Bobadilla will remain in custody pending transfer to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined soon.
Assistant U.S. Attorney M. Alexis Garcia, Southern District of Texas, prosecuted the case.
HSI is a directorate of ICE and the principal investigative arm of the U.S. 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 86 overseas locations in 55 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.
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