Man from Albuquerque pleads guilty to federal drug smuggling charges

             ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – Arturo Gilberto Estrada, 22, of Albuquerque, pleaded guilty in federal court on Dec. 7 to possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and heroin.

             According to his plea agreement, Estrada admitted that he tried to enter the United States at the Santa Teresa Port of Entry in Don͂a Ana County, New Mexico, on July 31 with four wrapped bundles of 3.8 kilograms of fentanyl and 1.2 kilograms of heroin hidden in the rear passenger side panel of the vehicle. Estrada intended to distribute the drugs, which he was smuggling into the United States in exchange for $10,000. U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers inspected the vehicle and located the hidden contraband.

             Estrada is currently in custody awaiting sentencing.  He faces a minimum of 10 years and up to life in prison. 

             U.S. Customs and Border Protection Office of Field Operations investigated this case.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Aaron O. Jordan is prosecuting the case.