Mexican national indicted for smuggling 71 pounds of fentanyl pills across the US-Mexico border following HSI investigation

YUMA, Ariz. — Last month, a federal grand jury returned a two-count indictment against a man for his alleged involvement in importation of fentanyl into the United States from Mexico and possession with intent to distribute fentanyl following an investigation by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI).

Edwin Francisco Cubillas, 27, of Mexico, was indicted Oct. 25 for his attempt to enter the United States through the San Luis, Arizona, port of entry, where U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers discovered 16 packages containing circular, blue pills that tested positive for fentanyl hidden in Cubillas’ car. The packages’ combined weight exceeded 71 pounds.

A conviction for each of the charged offenses carries a maximum penalty of life in prison and a $10 million fine.

An indictment is simply a method by which a person is charged with criminal activity and raises no inference of guilt. An individual is presumed innocent until evidence establishes guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.

The United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Arizona, Phoenix, is handling the prosecution.

HSI is the principal investigative arm of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, 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’ largest investigative law enforcement presence abroad and one of the largest international footprints in U.S. law enforcement.