Former Customs and Border Protection Officer Sentenced for Allowing Drug-Laden Vehicles to Enter the U.S.

SAN DIEGO - Former U.S. Customs and Border Protection Officer Diego Bonillo was sentenced in federal court to 15 years in prison for allowing vehicles containing methamphetamine, heroin and fentanyl to enter the U.S.

In his plea agreement, Bonillo acknowledged that he worked for a Mexico-based drug trafficking organization wherein he agreed to accept payment for using his official position as an officer to allow drug-laden vehicles into the U.S. from Mexico without inspection. Bonillo admitted that as part of the conspiracy he allowed at least 75 kilograms of fentanyl, 11.7 kilograms of methamphetamine, and over 1 kilogram of heroin, into the United States.

According to the government's sentencing documents, during the investigation, agents discovered that Bonillo was using a second phone that was unknown to law enforcement to transmit his lane assignments to members of the drug trafficking organization so they would know which lane and what time to send their smugglers to ensure their entry. Eventually, agents determined that Bonillo's role in the scheme began no later than October 2023 and continued until April 2024, allowing at least 15 vehicles to enter uninspected. According to the sentencing materials, Bonillo used his proceeds to travel internationally, purchase luxury gifts, buy tickets to the Canelo versus Munguia boxing match, attempt to purchase property in Mexico, and spend time at the Hong Kong Gentlemen's Club in Tijuana, Mexico.

"This sentence holds Bonillo accountable for betraying the public trust," said U.S. Attorney Adam Gordon. "He weaponized his badge for personal profit, 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 trade duty for dollars."

"Corrupt Customs and Border Protection officers betray their oath and endanger our national security," said DHS Inspector General Joseph V. Cuffari, Ph.D. "This sentence sends a clear message that such betrayal of public trust will not be tolerated."

"Former CBP Officer Diego Bonillo allowed massive amounts of drugs into the U.S. without regard for the deadly consequences it could have on our communities," said Mark Dargis, Special Agent in Charge of FBI San Diego Field Office. "He disgraced the badge and violated his oath to protect the American people. This conduct betrays the public's trust and is contradictory to 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 hold accountable anyone who corrupts their role at the expense of our citizens' safety."

The sentencing took place on November 7, 2025. This press release was delayed due to the lapse in appropriations.

This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Sean Van Demark, Bianca Calderon-Peñaloza, and Shauna Prewitt.

DEFENDANT Case Number 24cr0908-RBM

Diego Bonillo Age: 31 Chula Vista, Mexico

SUMMARY OF CHARGES

Conspiracy to Import Controlled Substances - Title 21, United States Code, Sections 952, 960, and 963

Maximum Penalty: Life in prison with a 10-year mandatory minimum

Importation of Controlled Substances - Title 21, United States Code, Sections 952 and 960

Maximum Penalty: Life in prison with a 10-year mandatory minimum

INVESTIGATING AGENCIES

Federal Bureau of Investigation - Border Corruption Task Force

Department of Homeland Security - Office of Inspector General

U.S. Customs and Border Protection's Office of Professional Responsibility

U.S. Border Patrol - San Diego Sector Intelligence Unit

Homeland Security Investigations - SDNET

Drug Enforcement Administration

Homeland Security Investigations - Hermosillo Attaché