Mexican National Sentenced in Federal Cocaine Distribution Case

A citizen of Mexico who was living in Arvada, Colorado, was sentenced on Feb. 3 for the distribution of cocaine.

Francisco Javier Miranda-Rodriguez, 39, of Jalisco, Mexico, was sentenced to 16 months' imprisonment and three years of supervised release. U.S District Court Judge Scott W. Skavdahl imposed the sentence. The defendant will be deported upon completion of his sentence.

According to court documents, in March 2025, DEA agents received information that the defendant was looking for cocaine customers. Undercover agents conducted a controlled buy in Cheyenne on March 13, 2025, for two ounces and again on April 3, 2025, for approximately three ounces. A third buy for nine ounces was coordinated in Timnath, Colorado on May 6, 2025. At that time, agents asked about purchasing a kilo. The defendant said he could get it and would charge $1,000 per ounce. When attempting to coordinate the delivery of the kilo, communication between the undercover agent and the defendant ceased. Miranda-Rodriguez was arrested on June 18, 2025, after a traffic stop. The same day, agents conducted a search of his apartment and located 92 grams of cocaine. The defendant admitted he would make trips to Douglas and Casper to deliver drugs at least once a month and did so for five months.

"This sentence sends a clear message: drug trafficking will not be tolerated in our communities. This defendant came to the United States, distributed dangerous drugs across state lines, and fueled addiction and crime. Thanks to strong law enforcement work, he will serve time in federal prison and be removed from the country. We will continue to prioritize border security, aggressive drug enforcement, and the removal of criminal aliens who threaten public safety," said U.S. Attorney Darin Smith."

DEA investigated the crime and Assistant U.S. Attorney Mackenzie Morrison prosecuted the case.

Case No. CR-25-00128