United States Drug Enforcement Administration

SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico – The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Caribbean Division highlights the latest prosecutorial results achieved through the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) in Puerto Rico, demonstrating the continued impact of coordinated federal, state, and local efforts against drug trafficking and other criminal organizations.

During the week of September 8 through September 11, 2026, HSTF prosecutions resulted in a federal guilty plea and multiple significant prison sentences, including sentences of up to 15 years in federal prison for individuals convicted of drug trafficking and firearms-related offenses.

“These sentences send a clear message: those who traffic dangerous drugs and use firearms to protect their criminal operations will be held accountable,” said DEA Caribbean Division Special Agent in Charge Michael Mayer. “Through the Homeland Security Task Force, DEA and our law enforcement partners are combining our intelligence, resources, and authorities to dismantle drug trafficking organizations and ensure that those responsible face justice. Our commitment to protecting Puerto Rico and our communities remains unwavering.”

SENTENCINGS

On September 9, 2026, Wilfredo Hernández-Vizcarrondo was sentenced to five years in federal prison and eight years of supervised release for conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances. Hernández-Vizcarrondo was indicted on December 5, 2024, and pleaded guilty on May 12, 2026.

On September 10, 2026, Luis Xavier Morales-Alonso was sentenced to 12 years in federal prison and eight years of supervised release for conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances and possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking. Morales-Alonso was indicted on June 11, 2025, and pleaded guilty on June 11, 2026.

Also on September 10, Michael J. García-Marquez was sentenced to 15 years in federal prison and 10 years of supervised release for conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances. García-Marquez was indicted on December 5, 2024, and pleaded guilty on May 14, 2026.

Paul W. Herrera-Rivera was sentenced the same day to 12 years in federal prison and eight years of supervised release for conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances. Herrera-Rivera was indicted on December 5, 2024, and pleaded guilty on May 27, 2026.

GUILTY PLEA

On September 9, 2026, Alison Mateo-Custodio pleaded guilty to illegal reentry of a removed alien. Mateo-Custodio was arrested on June 11, 2026, and is scheduled to be sentenced on December 9, 2026.

These prosecutions are part of the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) initiative, a whole-of-government partnership bringing together federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies to combat criminal cartels, transnational criminal organizations, trafficking networks, foreign gangs, and other criminal threats.

DEA Caribbean Division is a member of HSTF San Juan and continues working alongside its law enforcement partners to identify, investigate, disrupt, and dismantle drug trafficking organizations operating in Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and throughout the Caribbean region.