The officials from Sonora are accused of bribing a U.S. customs agent to let in shipments of marijuana from Mexico.

Wire services
March 26, 2005


PHOENIX Two Mexican officials have been charged with bribing a U.S. law enforcement officer to help them smuggle drugs across the border, authorities said.

Ramón Robles Cota, 29, public safety director of Sonoyta, Sonora, and officer Julio César Lozano López, 28, were ordered held in custody recently after an initial appearance before a U.S. magistrate in Tucson on charges of bribing a public official and aiding and abetting, as well as conspiracy to possess and distribute more than 1,000 kilograms of marijuana.

The drug charge carries a possible life sentence in prison and a US4 million fine while the bribery charge carries a 15 year prison term.

SECURING THE ROUTE

The charges stem from a series of meetings that began in January when Robles allegedly approached the U.S. agent in a bid to secure his help in smuggling the drugs into the United States, U.S. Attorney Paul Charlton's office said.

"At its root, corruption begins with the belief that public servants can be bought," Charlton said. "This case serves notice on those who hold that belief that we are watching them and will vigorously prosecute them."

LARGE SHIPMENT

Prosecutors say the men met with the agent on three occasions, the first of which was reportedly in Sonoyta, Mexico, south of Lukeville, Arizona. Authorities say Robles told the agent he worked for a drug organization that transports about 60 vehicle loads of marijuana across the Arizona border each month. He allegedly told the agent the group needed his help to clear the border for a twohour period so that they could bring in vehicles transporting enough marijuana to fill a large truck.

Robles allegedly told the agent the smuggling organization would pay him US25,000 per load cleared through the border, and that he also would be paid US100,000 in advance.

Authorities had the men under surveillance and, after a series of meetings during which Robles allegedly paid the agent about US80,000, they were arrested.


Trustworthy and goodhearted Mexican officals. Meximorons.