Plus: Trucking bankruptcies climb under tariff pressure, a woman gets 11 years for a cartel trucking scheme, CPKC and BNSF reject rail mergers, and more in today's newsletter.
CPKC and BNSF reject mergers, warning of risks that could affect supply chains.
Federal prosecutors revealed how cartel-linked drug trafficking networks used U.S. trucking to move narcotics and launder millions
Federal prosecutors revealed how cartel-linked drug trafficking networks used U.S. trucking to move narcotics and launder millions
A North Carolina woman has been sentenced to more than a decade in prison after admitting to paying truck drivers over $1 million to haul narcotics for Mexico’s Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG). The case highlights how commercial trucking was exploited to move cocaine and methamphetamine across multiple states while laundering millions back to Mexico.
According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of North Carolina, Oralia Rodriguez-Flores, 40, pled guilty to conspiracy charges for money laundering and drug trafficking. Between June 2021 and June 2024, she coordinated shipments of cocaine and methamphetamine from Mexico into the U.S., distributing them through a South Carolina-based drug trafficking organization (DTO).
Key seizures during the investigation included:
Rodriguez-Flores admitted to repeatedly recruiting long-haul truckers to help move drugs. Investigators learned she coordinated at least five or six major cocaine pickups from Mexico, with each load containing about 10 kilograms. She told agents she had funneled more than $1 million in cash to truck drivers for their role in the operation.
The DOJ also revealed her involvement in laundering proceeds, which included passing cash to an Asian money-laundering network and wiring funds through money service businesses to Mexican suppliers.
U.S. Attorney Ellis Boyle emphasized the broader message behind the conviction:
“Let this case stand as a warning to those willing to help Cartels poison our communities. We will target your drugs, your finances, and your profits and seize them.”
DEA Acting Special Agent in Charge Jae W. Chung added that the outcome was the result of coordinated enforcement, pledging that the agency remains committed to dismantling drug trafficking and money laundering networks.
Rodriguez-Flores was sentenced to 11 years in federal prison on August 20, 2025. The case was investigated by the DEA and the IRS Criminal Investigations unit.
Source: CDLLIFE
Authorities intercepted 156 pounds of fentanyl and 44 pounds of meth in a tractor trailer, the largest fentanyl seizure in South Carolina history.
Federal agents seized 700 pounds of methamphetamine hidden in a semi truck of cucumbers at a Georgia warehouse; two individuals face federal drug charges.
A Canadian trucker caught with 300 pounds of cocaine, while CBP seized $503K worth at the Pharr Bridge. Law enforcement is cracking down on the war on drugs.
DEA seizes 2,380 lbs of meth in GA, their 3rd largest bust ever. Mexican Cartel hid them in celery shipment.
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