Skip to main content
Press Release

California Man Sentenced for Federal Drug Trafficking Charges

For Immediate Release
U.S. Attorney's Office, District of New Mexico

ALBUQUERQUE – A California man was sentenced to 151 months in federal prison for attempting to transport over 2 kilograms of heroin by train from Bernalillo County to North Carolina.

There is no parole in the federal system.

According to court documents, on February 26, 2021, Mario A. Serna was apprehended as a passenger on a train, where he was found in possession of over 2 kilograms of heroin concealed in a false compartment of a bag. Serna admitted to knowingly possessing the heroin and intending to transport the heroin to North Carolina for distribution.

Upon his release from prison, Serna will be subject to three years of supervised release.

U.S. Attorney Alexander M.M. Uballez and Towanda R. Thorne-James, Special Agent in Charge for the Drug Enforcement Administration El Paso Division, made the announcement today.

The Drug Enforcement Administration investigated this case with assistance from the Albuquerque Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Joseph M. Spindle is prosecuting the case.

# # #

Updated June 26, 2024

Topic
Drug Trafficking
Press Release Number: 24-227