CALIFORNIA – The U.S Department of Justice (DOJ) announced July 28 that two Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers pleaded guilty to helping a Mexico-based drug trafficking group smuggle vehicles into the U.S. without inspection.
As part of the scheme, Jesse Clark Garcia and Diego Bonillo used a secret emoji code to tell the traffickers their assigned time and inspection lane at the Tecate and Otay Mesa ports of entry.
The drug traffickers then sent drug-laden cars through Garcia and Bonillo’s lanes, knowing the vehicles wouldn’t be inspected.
Bonillo admitted to allowing at least 75 kg of fentanyl, 4.5 kg of methamphetamine, and over 1 kg of heroin into the U.S. as part of the conspiracy.
Defendants funded trips and luxury purchases
The U.S. alleges the defendants profited, funding trips, luxury purchases, and attempted real estate buys in Mexico.
Garcia pleaded guilty on July 8, 2025, to nine counts, including conspiracy to import controlled substances and importation of cocaine, methamphetamine, and fentanyl.
Bonillo pleaded guilty on July 28, 2025, to three counts, including conspiracy to import controlled substances and importation of fentanyl and heroin, just before his trial.
Garcia and Bonillo’s sentencings are set for September 26 and November 7, 2025.
 announced July 28 that two Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers pleaded guilty to helping a Mexico-based drug trafficking group smuggle vehicles into the U.S. without inspection. ){kind=link}