Fentanyl dealers sentenced to federal prison

LAREDO, Texas – Two Texas residents have been sentenced for conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute fentanyl, announced U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei.

Hernan Cortez, 40, Houston, and Daniel Elizondo, 37, Laredo, pleaded guilty Jan. 8.

U.S. District Judge John A. Kazen has now imposed a 63-month-term of imprisonment for Elizondo. Cortez previously received 66 months. Both must also serve four years of supervised release following completion of their sentences. At the hearing, the court heard additional evidence that detailed how Cortez brought the fentanyl to Laredo and how Elizondo decided to hide the drugs after he learned law enforcement was watching the house. In handing down the prison terms, Judge Kazen noted that fentanyl is lethal and kills many people.

Cortez transported approximately a half of a kilogram of fentanyl from Houston to Laredo Aug. 28, 2024. He intended to sell the drugs there with Elizondo’s assistance.

The following day, Cortez brought the fentanyl to a stash house where Elizondo was located. Authorities conducting surveillance observed Elizondo exit the house wearing a black satchel bag and walk into an alleyway connected to an adjoining property. Shortly after, he returned without the bag.

Authorities executed a search warrant and found 274 grams of fentanyl hidden in a tire wheel in the covered alleyway between the two properties.

Cortez initially believed the narcotics were cocaine or heroin and tried selling them in Houston but couldn’t find any buyers because it was actually fentanyl.

Both men have been and will remain in custody pending transfer to a Federal Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future.

The Drug Enforcement Administration conducted the investigation with the assistance of the Laredo Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Andrew P. Hakala-Finch prosecuted the case.