Boise, Idaho — Hector Ojeda Manuel Aponte, a key member of the Sinaloa cartel, one of the world’s most powerful and violent drug trafficking organizations, has been sentenced to 22 years in federal prison for his role in distributing illegal narcotics in Idaho. Aponte, a Honduran national, was found to be the “number one guy” for the cartel in the state.
Aponte operated a network that distributed 40 pounds of methamphetamine, fentanyl pills, and bath salts on a weekly or biweekly basis through the cartel’s extensive distribution network, according to authorities. His operations were central to the cartel’s drug trafficking activities in Idaho.
The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and Nampa Police Department Special Investigations Unit conducted the investigation, leading to the indictment of six individuals. Aponte received the longest sentence of the group, surpassing other defendants whose sentences ranged from 30 months to 160 months.
Acting U.S. Attorney Justin Whatcott praised the sentencing, emphasizing the U.S. Department of Justice’s commitment to eliminating the threat posed by Mexican drug cartels and their dangerous narcotics distribution networks. “Along with our federal, state, and local law enforcement partners, we will continue to hold them accountable for bringing poisonous drugs into our state,” Whatcott stated.
The conviction of Aponte marks a significant step in combating the cartel’s influence in Idaho and beyond, as law enforcement continues to target the network responsible for the flood of fentanyl and other illicit drugs into communities across the nation.
