News Release [printer-friendly version]
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 24, 2011
Contact: Special Agent Ramona Sanchez
Number: (602) 664-5725

Mexican National Pleads Guilty to Involvement in Naco Drug Tunnel Case

Over 50 People Connected to the Naco Tunnel Have Been Convicted

JUN 24– (TUCSON) -- Victor A. Flores, 51, pleaded guilty on Thursday to conspiring with others to possess with intent to distribute in excess of 8 tons of cocaine. The cocaine had been smuggled into the United States through a tunnel that extended into Naco, Ariz, from Mexico.

The investigation began after the seizure of 5.6 tons of cocaine from a warehouse in Tucson in December, 1996. During the course of the investigation an additional 2,660 pounds of cocaine, three fully automatic machine guns and $1.5 million in cash were seized. Over 50 people connected to the Naco tunnel have been convicted and Flores was one of five that remained at large for years.

Flores was to face trial in 2001 for his involvement in the cocaine conspiracy. He fled one week before the start of the trial and remained a fugitive until his arrest in Mexico in 2010. He was extradited to the United States in December 2010.

“The Naco drug tunnel was one of the most notorious and shocking smuggling cases we have seen in this state, and this defendant played a key role in the cocaine conspiracy,â€