Former CBP officer sentenced to 15 years in prison for drug smuggling bribes

A former U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officer was sentenced to 15 years in prison for accepting payments in exchange for allowing smugglers to transport drug-filled vehicles across the southern border into the United States.

Diego Bonillo, 31, was charged with importing controlled substances and conspiracy to import controlled substances.

“This sentence holds Bonillo accountable for betraying the public trust,” Adam Gordon, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of California, said in a statement.

“He used his badge as a weapon for personal gain, funneling deadly narcotics through a port of entry and putting communities at risk. Corruption like this will be met with the full force of the law, and we will not hesitate to pursue and punish those who exchange duty dollars for dollars.”

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According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Bonillo admitted to working for a drug trafficking organization based in Mexico and agreeing to accept payments to allow drug-laden vehicles to enter the United States unchecked.

The former police officer admitted to allowing at least 75 kilograms of fentanyl, 11.7 kilograms of methamphetamine and more than one kilogram of heroin into the country. Prosecutors said he allowed at least 15 vehicles to enter the country uninspected from October 2023 to April 2024.

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The former police officer admitted to allowing at least 75 kilograms of fentanyl, 11.7 kilograms of methamphetamine and more than one kilogram of heroin into the country. (Getty Images)

Bonillo was using a second phone, unknown to law enforcement, to relay lane assignments to drug traffickers so they would know which lane they could enter and when.

He used the money from the scheme to travel internationally, buy luxury items and tickets to a boxing match, try to buy property in Mexico, and spend time at the Hong Kong Gentlemen’s Club in Tijuana, Mexico.

Diego Bonillo allowed at least 15 vehicles to enter the country unsupervised from October 2023 to April 2024. (CBP)

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“Former CBP Officer Diego Bonillo allowed large amounts of drugs to enter the United States, regardless of the deadly consequences it could have on our communities,” Mark Dargis, special agent in charge of the FBI San Diego Field Office, said in a statement. he said.

“He disgraced the badge and violated his oath to protect the American people,” he continued. “This conduct betrays the public trust and conflicts with the values ​​and standards expected of a federal law enforcement officer. FBI San Diego and our partners will not tolerate such dishonorable behavior. This sentence reflects the FBI’s commitment to holding accountable anyone who circumvents their duties at the expense of the safety of our citizens.”