Twice-Deported Illegal Alien from Mexico Arrested on Federal Complaint Charging Him with Possessing 360 Kilograms of Cocaine

RIVERSIDE, California - A twice-deported illegal immigrant from Mexico has been arrested on a federal criminal complaint charging him with possessing approximately 360 kilograms (793.7 pounds) of cocaine in his San Bernardino County apartment, the Justice Department announced today.

José María Mena Rosales, 38, of Fontana, was arrested on Wednesday and is charged with possession with intent to distribute cocaine.

Rosales made his initial appearance on Thursday in United States District Court in Riverside. United States Magistrate Judge David T. Bristow ordered Rosales released on $50,000 bond. No plea was taken. Rosales's arraignment is scheduled for November 10.

According to an affidavit filed with the complaint, in February 2026, law enforcement investigating a Mexico-based drug trafficking organization learned that a large quantity of cocaine was to be delivered in four suitcases to Rosales at a public parking lot in Fontana. Rosales later retrieved the cocaine from the parking lot and drove to his apartment, where he unloaded the suitcases of narcotics into a garage.

Law enforcement executed a search warrant at Rosales's garage and apartment and seized approximately 360 kilograms of cocaine spread across 17 cardboard boxes. The four empty suitcases were found in the garage. Law enforcement officers confirmed Rosales's identity with his California driver's license and found several cell phones that contained text messages between Rosales and the individual who arranged the cocaine delivery.

According to court documents, Rosales was deported from the United States in May 2014 and June 2014.

A criminal complaint is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

If convicted, Mena would face a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years in federal prison and a statutory maximum sentence of life in federal prison.

The FBI is investigating this matter with assistance from the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department.

Assistant United States Attorney Courtney N. Williams of the Transnational Organized Crime Section is prosecuting this case.