Fentanyl Importer Sentenced to More than Five Years in Prison

TUCSON, Ariz. - Francisco Nicolas Orozco-Montijo, 28, a United States citizen residing in Nogales, Mexico, was sentenced on Wednesday by United States District Judge Rosemary Márquez to 63 months in prison, followed by 60 months of supervised release. Orozco-Montijo pleaded guilty to Importation of Fentanyl on February 5, 2024.

In March 2023, Orozco-Montijo applied for entry into the United States from Mexico via the DeConcini Port of Entry in Nogales, Arizona. During a search of his vehicle, Customs and Border Protection agents discovered over 50 kilograms of fentanyl concealed within the spare tire and rear quarter panels of the car.

Homeland Security Investigations conducted the investigation in this case. The United States Attorney's Office, District of Arizona, Tucson, handled the prosecution.

CASE NUMBER: CR-23-00943-TUC-RM
RELEASE NUMBER: 2024-059_Orozco-Montijo

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