SAN DIEGO–A United States Border Patrol agent was charged attempted distribution of six pounds of methamphetamine, two attempted distribution of seven kilograms of cocaine, and (3) bribery. Agent Lopez made his first appearance in court today.
The complaint alleges that Agent Noe Lopez, assigned to work at the Imperial Beach Border Patrol Station, described his ability to smuggle narcotics into the United States to a confidential informant. According to the complaint, Lopez provided specific details about how he could smuggle narcotics into the United States from Mexico. He also agreed to pickup backpacks filled with narcotics while on duty and transport the narcotics to safe locations north of the international border. The agent offered these services for a fee.
The complaint further alleges that, while on duty, Lopez attempted to distribute narcotics on two separate occasions. On December 6, he retrieved a backpack filled with what he believed to be 6 pounds of methamphetamine, and on December 8, he retrieved what he believed to be 7 kilograms of cocaine. On both occasions, he delivered the backpacks to pre-determined locations in San Diego and received a total of $10,000 in cash.
Lopez is charged with attempted distribution of six pounds of methamphetamine, attempted distribution of seven kilograms of cocaine, and bribery.
The complaint further alleges that Lopez corruptly accepted bribes in exchange for assisting in the drug trafficking events and ignored his official duty to enforce narcotics laws. At his first appearance in court, Lopez was ordered to appear before U.S. Magistrate Judge Jill Burkhardt December 20 for a detention hearing to determine whether Lopez should remain in custody pending trial.
