Mexican National Sentenced For Violating Federal Controlled Substances Act

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – FULGENCIO CARDENAS-RIVERA (“CARDENAS-RIVERA”), a 35-year old Mexican national, was sentenced on July 22, 2025, to 60 months imprisonment, 4 years supervised release, and a $100 mandatory special assessment fee by U.S. District Judge Brandon S. Long, after pleading guilty to possession with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1) and 841(b)(1)(B), announced Acting U.S. Attorney Michael M. Simpson.

According to court documents, CARDENAS-RIVERA traveled into the Eastern District of Louisiana with approximately three kilograms of cocaine secreted in the trunk of the car he was driving, with the intent to distribute such cocaine.

This prosecution is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.

This investigation was led by the Drug Enforcement Administration – New Orleans Field Division Office and assisted by the Louisiana State Police, United States Border Patrol, Kenner Police Department, and Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office.  The prosecution is being handled by Assistant United States Attorney Lynn E. Schiffman of the Narcotics Unit.