HEROIN TRANSPORTER PLEADS GUILTY

                 PHOENIX - Today, Victor Rubio-Herrera, 18, of San Luis, Ariz., pleaded guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute one kilogram or more of heroin, in federal district court in Phoenix.

                 Rubio-Herrera had been charged with violating federal drug possession and distribution laws. According to court records, on Nov. 16, 2011, Rubio-Herrera traveled to Mexico and met with two people who gave him two packages; he strapped one package onto each of his thighs, got on a bicycle, and presented himself at the San Luis Port of Entry to return home to the United States. Rubio-Herrera was stopped by U. S. Customs and Border Protection officers at the Port, who noticed bulges on his thighs. When Rubio-Herrera was searched, the packages of drugs were located on, and removed from, his thighs. Each package was wrapped in brown cellophane tape. The two packages had a total approximate weight of two kilograms of heroin.

                 A conviction for conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute one kilogram or more of heroin carries a maximum penalty of life in prison, a $10,000,000.00 fine, or both. In determining an actual sentence, U.S. District Judge James A. Teilborg will consult the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, which provide appropriate sentencing ranges. Judge Teilborg, however, is not bound by those guidelines in determining a sentence.

                 Sentencing is set before Judge Teilborg on July 30, 2012.

                 The investigation in this case was conducted by Homeland Security Investigations. The prosecution is being handled by Jonell L. Lucca, Assistant U.S. Attorney, District of Arizona, Phoenix.

CASE NUMBER:           CR-11-2314-PHX-JAT
RELEASE NUMBER:   2012-114(Rubio-Herrera)

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For more information on the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/az/