LAREDO, Texas — Two Texas men are charged with possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and conspiracy to do so following an investigation conducted by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), the DEA, the Webb County Precinct 1 Constable’s Office, the Webb County Sheriff’s Department and the Laredo Police Department.
A federal grand jury returned a two-count indictment against Hernan Cortez, 40, of Houston, and Daniel Elizondo, 37, of Laredo. Both are expected to make an appearance on the indictment before a U.S. magistrate judge in the near future. Cortez and Elizondo have been in custody since the criminal complaint was filed Aug. 30.
According to court documents and the charges, Cortez transported approximately a half-kilogram of fentanyl from Houston to Laredo Aug. 28. He allegedly intended to sell the drugs in Laredo with Elizondo’s assistance. On Aug. 29, Cortez brought the fentanyl to a stash house where Elizondo was located, according to the complaint. Elizondo allegedly exited the stash house wearing a black satchel bag and walked into an alley connected to an adjoining property. Soon thereafter, he no longer had the bag, according to the charges.
The complaint alleges authorities executed a search warrant and found 508 grams of fentanyl hidden in a tire wheel in the alley where Elizondo had been.
If convicted, Cortez and Elizondo each face up to 20 years in federal prison and a possible $10 million maximum fine.