A woman was apprehended at the New Mexico border crossing over the weekend after a routine inspection found that she was attempting to smuggle fentanyl.
According to a criminal complaint affidavit acquired by KFOX14/CBS4 on Monday, police at the Santa Teresa Port of Entry in New Mexico learned on Saturday that Daniela Paola Valles, a US citizen, was involved in a fentanyl smuggling operation.
On Saturday, Nov. 1, Valles attempted to enter the United States from Mexico in a Honda Civic when Customs and Border Protection investigators discovered irregularities during a scan of the vehicle.
According to the affidavit, after initial negative narcotics tests, a K9 unit directed authorities to the rear seating area.
Upon investigation, CBP officials discovered nine vacuum-sealed bundles containing a white powdered material ultimately identified as fentanyl, weighing a total of 5 kilos.
Valles, who was traveling with a passenger, revealed during a post-Miranda interrogation that she had traveled into the United States several times with loaded vehicles without knowing what was inside.
Valles claimed to get $400 to $600 on each trip, which included travel expenses.
Valles, who owns “Immigration Solutions, Valles USA” in Wyoming and assists Mexican nationals with visa applications and renewals, alleged that the passenger was unaware of the smuggling operation because he had contacted her through her firm for help.
Valles was detained, and the case was handed to Supervisory Assistant U.S. Attorney Joni Stahl, who verified that she had been charged with possession with intent to distribute and unlawful importation of a prohibited narcotic.
