United States Drug Enforcement Administration

LAREDO, Texas – A 40-year-old Laredo resident has been sentenced for conspiring to distribute fentanyl.

Rolando Soliz pleaded guilty Sept. 16, 2025.

U.S. District Judge John A. Kazen has now ordered Soliz to serve 110 months in federal prison to be immediately followed by four years of supervised release. At the hearing Sept. 1, the court heard additional evidence to include details about Soliz’s extensive criminal history as well as his possession of large amounts of cash and 10 different firearms, one of which was a short-barreled rifle converted to operate as a machine gun. In handing down the sentence, Judge Kazen noted his conviction was for distributing fentanyl during a time when it was killing more and more people in the community. He also noted his extensive criminal history including four prior felony convictions. 

 The investigation, which began July 11, 2024, indicated Soliz had been engaged in multiple transactions involving fentanyl in the Laredo area. 

 Law enforcement set up surveillance at Soliz’s apartment and witnessed multiple hand-to-hand drug transactions. A subsequent traffic stop resulted in the discovery of fentanyl that had been obtained from Soliz at his residence. 

 On July 31, 2024, authorities executed a search warrant at Soliz’s apartment and discovered 24.8 grams of fentanyl inside a toilet bowl. They had also searched his mother’s residence. As a result of the warrants at both locations, law enforcement seized the drugs, over $16,000 in cash, and multiple firearms. 

 Soliz has been and will remain in custody pending transfer to a Federal Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future.

The Drug Enforcement Administration conducted the investigation with the assistance of Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives; Webb County District Attorney’s Office; and Webb County Constables Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Andrew P. Hakala-Finch prosecuted the case.