LOS ANGELES (AP) — A former U.S. Customs and Border Protection officer, Diego Bonillo, aged 30, was sentenced to 15 years in federal prison after admitting to collaborating with Mexican drug traffickers to smuggle illegal substances into the United States. This announcement was made on Thursday by U.S. officials.

In July, Bonillo pleaded guilty to multiple charges, including conspiracy to import controlled substances such as cocaine, methamphetamine, and heroin. According to the U.S. Attorney's Office in San Diego, Bonillo utilized his official position to facilitate the entry of vehicles laden with drugs from Mexico into the U.S. without undergoing inspections.

As part of his plea agreement, Bonillo confessed to allowing approximately 75 kilograms of fentanyl, 11.7 kilograms of methamphetamine, and more than 1 kilogram of heroin into the country. Prosecutors noted in the sentencing documents that Bonillo employed a secret phone to coordinate with the drug trafficking organization, specifically informing them which lanes he would be overseeing at the Tecate and Otay Mesa border crossings. This allowed traffickers to ensure their vehicles' entry without inspection.

Investigations revealed that Bonillo's involvement in this illegal operation began no later than October 2023 and continued until April 2024. During this period, he facilitated the uninspected crossing of at least 15 vehicles containing illicit drugs. His illicit earnings were used to fund international travels, purchase luxury gifts, attempt to acquire property in Mexico, and indulge in leisure activities at the Hong Kong Gentlemen's Club located in Tijuana, Mexico, according to prosecution statements.

On November 7, federal authorities imposed a sentence of 15 years on Bonillo, marking a significant step in addressing corruption within border enforcement agencies and the ongoing battle against drug trafficking in the region.