Texas Border Business
U.S. Attorney’s Office, Southern District of Texas
LAREDO, Texas – Two people have pleaded guilty to conspiracy to import 11.65 kilograms of fentanyl.
Taneka Desha Felder, 27, Amarillo, and Gustavo Morales Aguilar, 40, a naturalized U.S. citizen living in Dumas, admitted they traveled into Mexico Dec. 17, 2024. There, they allowed drug smugglers to load their car with 10 bundles of fentanyl powder in the car’s hidden compartment.
They then attempted to enter the United States from Mexico at the Lincoln Juarez International Bridge.
At secondary inspection, authorities discovered the bundles hidden in the specially-manufactured compartment under the center console. They admitted they bought the car a few days before traveling to Mexico for the specific purpose of smuggling drugs on their return trip. Both admitted that they expected to be paid after successful delivery of the car and drugs to other persons in Dallas.
U.S. District Judge Diana Saldaña will impose sentencing at a later date. At that time, Felder and Morales Aguilar face up to life in federal prison and a possible $10 million maximum fine.
Both have been and will remain in custody pending that hearing.
Immigration and Customs Enforcement – Homeland Security Investigations conducted the investigation with the assistance of Customs and Border Protection. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jose Homero Ramirez prosecuted the case.
Updated March 31, 2025
