LAREDO, Texas — Erik Villegas Cusi, a 49-year-old man from Queretaro, Mexico, has pleaded guilty to conspiring to smuggle four kilograms of fentanyl and two kilograms of cocaine into the United States.
Cusi was arrested on February 14 while attempting to cross the border at International Bridge No. 2 in Laredo. Traveling with his wife and young son in a sedan, Cusi drew suspicion during a routine x-ray inspection that revealed irregularities in the vehicle’s center.
Agents discovered an aftermarket compartment built into the undercarriage, concealing six bundles of drugs — 4.02 kilograms of fentanyl and 2.05 kilograms of cocaine. Although Cusi initially denied any involvement and blamed a mechanic in Mexico, that mechanic confirmed he only worked on the vehicle’s brakes.
Investigators found extensive modifications to the vehicle’s underbody, including altered mufflers and catalytic converters, as well as added insulation to secure the hidden drugs.
As part of his plea agreement, Cusi admitted to working with others in Mexico to traffic the narcotics into the U.S. during the family trip. He acknowledged knowing about the drugs and intended to deliver the vehicle to other parties once inside the U.S.
U.S. District Judge Diana Saldaña will sentence Cusi at a later date. He faces up to 10 years in federal prison and a fine of up to $250,000. Cusi remains in federal custody while awaiting sentencing.
The case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), Customs and Border Protection (CBP), and the DEA Southwest Regional Laboratory. Assistant U.S. Attorney Homero Ramirez is prosecuting the case.
This prosecution is part of Operation Take Back America, a national DOJ initiative focused on dismantling cartels, halting illegal immigration, and combating violent crime across U.S. communities.
