Two Texas Man Have Been Indicted For Possession & Distribution Of Fentanyl
Wednesday, September 18, 2024, 5:30 P.M. ET. 2 Minute Read, By Art Fletcher: Englebrook Independent News,
LAREDO, TX.- Following their initial arrest on August 30, 2024, on charges of Possession with Intent to Distribute Fentanyl, on Tuesday, September 17, 2024, a Federal Grand Jury returned an indictment against two Texas men charging both with violating federal narcotics laws.
According to U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani, on Tuesday, September 17, 2024, a Federal Grand Jury for the Southern District of Texas returned a two-count indictment charging Hernan Cortez, 40, of Houston, Texas, and Daniel Elizondo, 37, of Laredo, Texas, with Possession with Intent to Distribute Fentanyl; and Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute Fentanyl.
   Cortez and Elizondo have been in custody since their arrest on August 30, 2024, and are expected to be arraigned on the indictment before a U.S. District Court Judge soon.
According To Charging Documents
According to charging information unsealed in the indictment, it has been alleged that Cortez transported a half of a kilogram of fentanyl from Houston to Laredo, Texas, on August 28, 2024. He had allegedly planned to sell the fentanyl in Laredo with Elizondo’s assistance.
On August 29, 2024, Cortez brought the fentanyl to a “stash house” where Elizando was located. Elizando allegedly exited the house wearing a black bag and walked into an alleyway connected to the adjoining property. Soon thereafter, Elizando came out of the alleyway without the bag.
The following day, on August 30, 2024, Investigators executed a court-authorized search warrant on the residence, where they located approximately 508 grams of fentanyl hidden in a tire in the alleyway where Elizondo had been.
If convicted on the charges contained in the indictment, Cortez and Elizondo face up to 20 years in federal prison and a possible $10 million fine.
“The rules of the court require us to include a statement that states: The charges outlined in this publication are merely accusations, and the defendant and or defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond reasonable doubt.”
