Former CBP Officer Sentenced for Drug Smuggling

A former officer with U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has been sentenced to 15 years in prison after admitting to accepting bribes from smugglers. In exchange, he allowed the transport of vehicles loaded with drugs into the U.S. through the southern border.

Diego Bonillo, aged 31, faced charges of conspiracy to import control substances and importing controlled substances. U.S. Attorney Adam Gordon stated, “This sentence will hold Mr. Bonillo accountable for his betrayal of the public’s trust. He used his badge for personal gain, putting his community at risk. Such corruption will not go unpunished.”

Bonillo reportedly confessed to working for a drug trafficking organization based in Mexico and accepted money to let drug-laden vehicles cross into the United States without checks. It’s been stated that he smuggled more than 75 kilograms of fentanyl, 11.7 kilograms of methamphetamine, and over a kilogram of heroin. Between October 2023 and April 2024, Bonillo is said to have allowed at least 15 vehicles to enter the country without scrutiny.

Additionally, he allegedly used a separate phone to inform smugglers about which lanes to use at border crossings, ensuring their successful passage. The payments he received funded various personal luxuries, such as international travel, high-end goods, and even attendance at boxing events.

Mark Dargis, the special agent in charge of the FBI’s San Diego office, remarked that Bonillo’s actions disregarded the severe implications for community safety. “He has tarnished his badge and betrayed his oath,” he said. “Such conduct cannot be tolerated. This sentence underscores our commitment to ensuring accountability for those who compromise public safety.”