A 38-year-old man is facing life in prison after pleading guilty in one of the largest fentanyl cases prosecuted in the Southern District of Texas, announced U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani.
Juan Jesus Orozco-Vargas admitted he knew drugs were hidden within pallets of limes he helped import from Mexico.
On April 5, a tractor-trailer containing 24 pallets of limes crossed into Texas from Mexico through the Pharr Port of Entry and arrived at a warehouse in McAllen. Orozco-Vargas was waiting at the warehouse to supervise the transfer of the pallets.
While warehouse workers were unloading the boxes of limes, a pallet broke, causing pink and blue fentanyl pills stamped “M30” to spill out onto the floor.
Orozco-Vargas attempted to flee upon law enforcement’s arrival on the scene, but they quickly apprehended him.
He admitted he was there to make sure the pallets were not damaged. He planned to move the pallets containing the fentanyl pills to the side so they could be transported from the warehouse. He admitted he was going to be paid for his services.
Authorities examined the pallets and discovered they concealed approximately 1.4 million fentanyl pills, totalling 152.98 kilograms.
U.S. District Judge Tipton will impose sentencing February 4, 2025. At that time, Orozco faces up to life in federal prison as well as a possible $10 million maximum fine. He has been and will remain in custody pending that hearing.
