Cartel worker gets 10 years for drug case

LAREDO, Tex. (KGNS) - A woman linked to a drug cartel was sent to prison for 10 years for trying to help move cocaine, the U.S. Attorney’s Office said.

Rebeca Guzman-Rios, 39, from Nuevo Laredo, Mexico, was sentenced by a judge in Laredo. She had pleaded guilty in August 2024.

Another person, Rogelio Garcia-Ayala, 65, who lived in Laredo without legal papers, got five years. Both will likely be sent back to Mexico after serving time, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office said Guzman-Rios crossed the border at the Gateway to the Americas Bridge in April 2024. A cartel member had sent her to Laredo to help with a drug sale. She was picked up downtown by Ana Maria Escobedo and taken to meet the buyer.

At the same time, others brought the cocaine from a house used by the cartel. The drugs were handed to another man, Francisco Herrera-Moresco, who was then driven to the meeting spot.

But when they thought the deal had fallen apart, Escobedo left with the cocaine, authorities said. Police tried to stop them, but she led them on a chase. During the chase, the drugs were thrown from the car. The car crashed into a fence, and several people ran, but police caught them. The drugs were found.

Others were also sentenced:

• Cesar Salazar, 42 – 87 months
• Francisco Herrera-Moresco, 42 – 50 months
• Brenda Castro, 37 – 30 months
• Ana Maria Escobedo, 33 – 65 months

The Drug Enforcement Administration led the case with help from Customs and Border Protection and Texas DPS. Assistant U.S. Attorney Manuel Cardenas handled the case.

This case is part of a nationwide effort called Operation Take Back America, aimed at stopping cartels and keeping communities safe.

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