HSI Yuma case results in 20-year-old pleading guilty to possessing 115 pounds of fentanyl pills with intent to distribute

YUMA, Ariz. — A Southern Arizona man pleaded guilty to possessing with the intent to distribute fentanyl in early December following a case investigated by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI).

Nathan Hernandez, 20, of Yuma, is scheduled for a sentencing hearing on March 25, 2024, before U.S. District Judge Michael T. Liburdi.

Hernandez admitted that on Nov. 3, he entered the United States through the San Luis Port of Entry in San Luis with 115.04 pounds of fentanyl pills hidden in a non-factory compartment of his 2020 Dodge Ram. He also admitted that he possessed the fentanyl with the intent to deliver it to another person. In his plea agreement, Hernandez agreed to forfeit the 2020 Dodge Ram used to transport the fentanyl pills into the United States.

A conviction for possession with intent to distribute fentanyl carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $1 million.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Arizona in Phoenix is prosecuting the case.

HSI is the principal investigative arm of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS), responsible for investigating transnational crime and threats, specifically those criminal organizations that exploit the global infrastructure through which international trade, travel and finance move. HSI’s workforce of more than 8,700 employees consists of more than 6,000 special agents assigned to 237 cities throughout the United States, and 93 overseas locations in 56 countries. HSI’s international presence represents DHS’ largest investigative law enforcement presence abroad and one of the largest international footprints in U.S. law enforcement.