In a shocking turn of events, a former officer with U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Diego Bonillo, found himself on the receiving end of a 15-year prison sentence after it was revealed he helped smugglers transport drug-laden vehicles across the southern border.
This information comes straight from a DOJ announcement released on Thursday. Bonillo faced serious charges, including conspiracy to import controlled substances, which carries a minimum of ten years in prison.
At just 31 years old, Bonillo admitted to his role in facilitating the entry of at least 75 kilograms of fentanyl, 11.7 kilograms of methamphetamine, and over 1 kilogram of heroin into the United States. How did he manage this? He secretly used a second phone to alert smugglers about which lanes were safe to use for entry.
Once a vehicle came to his checkpoint, Bonillo would let it through without a proper inspection, effectively ignoring the potential dangers in doing so. From October 2023 through April 2024, officials reported he allowed at least 15 vehicles into the country without examining them.
U.S. Attorney Adam Gordon made a strong statement regarding Bonillo’s actions, describing the sentence as a measure of accountability for the betrayal of public trust. “He weaponized his badge for personal profit, funneling deadly narcotics into our communities. Such corruption will be pursued vigorously, and we will hold accountable those who trade such duty for money,” noted Gordon.
It gets worse; Bonillo reportedly used proceeds from this illegal activity to fund a luxurious lifestyle, purchasing gifts and even attending a boxing match. He also hinted at efforts to invest in property in Mexico.
Mark Dargis, special agent in charge of the FBI’s San Diego office, pointed out the severe consequences of Bonillo’s actions, emphasizing that the former officer’s conduct was a disgrace to the badge and indicative of a breach of the oath he took to protect the American public. “Our communities are at risk due to such behavior, and we won’t stand for it. This sentence underscores our intent to hold individuals accountable for corrupt actions that compromise public safety,” Dargis stated.
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