Man Sentenced for Using Minor to Traffic Drugs Across U.S.-Mexico Border

Josue Lomeli admitted he was paid to recruit and guide people with narcotics attached to their bodies across the border

A man was sentenced to 70 months in jail on Monday for using a minor to smuggle narcotics into the United States from Mexico through the San Ysidro Port of Entry.

Josue Lomeli pleaded guilty back in January to being paid to recruit and guide people across the border with narcotics strapped to their body.

According to a press release by the U.S. Attorney’s office, Lomeli admitted he led at least six people across the border through the San Ysidro Port of Entry. He was also present when narcotics were strapped to the individuals’ bodies at a residence in Tijuana.

“That unlawful act is made much more egregious when a cavalier drug trafficker shifts the risks of smuggling heroin onto the backs of mere children,” U.S. Attorney Laura Duffy said.

Lomeli admitted he thought the packages contained methamphetamine, cocaine, or heroin.

U.S. District Court Judge Marilyn L. Huff said the dangers of having drugs attached to the bodies of children would have been harmful if the packages had broken.

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