Houston resident heads to prison for trafficking fentanyl in hidden compartment following ICE Rio Grande Valley, federal partner investigation

BROWNSVILLE, Texas — A Houston woman was sentenced following her conviction for possession with intent to distribute fentanyl following an investigation conducted by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement in coordination with U.S. Customs and Border Protection.

Alyssa Marie Maldonado, 40, was sentenced on Feb. 25 by U.S. District Judge Fernando Rodriguez to serve 36 months in federal prison to be immediately followed by three years of supervised release. At the hearing, the court heard additional testimony that detailed Maldonado’s culpability in the crime. In handing down the sentence, the court noted her connection to the smuggling through her actions to conceal the drugs within the vehicle. Maldonado pleaded guilty Oct. 16, 2024.

"Today's sentencing underscores the serious consequences of fentanyl trafficking. ICE is committed to holding those responsible for distributing this deadly drug accountable and to working with our partners to protect communities from its devastating effects,” said ICE Homeland Security Investigations Rio Grande Valley Deputy Special Agent in Charge Mark Lippa.

According to court documents, on March 24, 2024, Mendoza applied for entry into the United States at the Brownsville and Matamoros International Port of Entry. At initial inspection, she made a negative declaration to any contraband within the vehicle and provided false statements concerning her reasons for visiting Mexico. Authorities referred her to secondary inspection where a K-9 soon alerted to the rear back seat area. They then discovered anomalies in the fuel tank and found 22 packages which field tested positive for fentanyl. The combined weight was 8.70 kilograms.

Previously released on bond, Maldonado was taken into custody following the sentencing where she will remain pending transfer to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Zachary Blackmon from the Southern District of Texas prosecuted the case.