Heroin Trafficker From Mexico Sentenced to 5 Years

United States Attorney Sean P. Costello of the Southern District of Alabama announced that Uriel Frederico Romero-Rodriguez, of Mexico, was sentenced today in federal court for Conspiracy to Distribute Heroin. 

Romero-Rodriguez pled guilty to the charge in January of 2021.  On February 11, 2020, United States Customs and Border Protection intercepted a package originating from Arcelia, Guerrerro, Mexico.  The package purported to be a wheel of cheese addressed to a residence in Foley, Alabama.  However, officers discovered approximately 443 grams of heroin concealed inside the wheel of cheese.  On February 13, 2020, the package was delivered to the address in Foley.  Romero-Rodriguez arrived shortly thereafter to pick up the package.  Officers immediately arrested Romero-Rodriguez when he picked up the package.  As part of his plea agreement, Romero-Rodriguez admitted he and his co-defendant made an agreement to distribute the heroin. 

United States District Court Judge Terry F. Moorer imposed a mandatory sentence of 60 months imprisonment.  The judge also ordered Romero-Rodriguez to serve a four-year term of supervised release upon his discharge from prison.  Judge Moorer ordered that Romero-Rodriguez pay $100 in special assessments. 

The case was investigated by the Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations, and Customs and Border Protection, and the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency.  It was prosecuted in the United States Attorney’s Office by Assistant United States Attorney Justin Kopf.