El Paso, TX — Two Mexican nationals have pleaded guilty to federal charges stemming from a case involving firearms intended for Mexico, methamphetamine trafficking and human smuggling, according to the U.S. Department of Justice.
Maria Del Rosario Navarro-Sanchez, 40, pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, conspiracy to engage in firearms trafficking, conspiracy to bring aliens into the United States and conspiracy to provide material support to a designated foreign terrorist organization, specifically Cartel de Jalisco Nueva Generacion (CJNG).
Federal prosecutors said Navarro-Sanchez conspired to obtain firearms in the United States for delivery to CJNG members in Mexico. She also admitted contracting with smugglers to illegally bring people from Mexico into the United States.
In August 2023, Navarro-Sanchez negotiated with undercover agents to purchase 20 AK-47-style firearms and two .50-caliber rifles for $66,000, according to court documents. Prosecutors said the weapons were intended to be illegally transported into Mexico in furtherance of drug trafficking.
Gustavo Castro-Medina, 29, pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and conspiracy to engage in firearms trafficking. Prosecutors said he helped facilitate a $3,000 down payment for the firearms.
Castro-Medina also admitted that U.S. Border Patrol agents discovered 36.36 kilograms of methamphetamine hidden beneath a non-factory trap door in a Nissan Sentra he was driving during a November 2020 stop in Sierra Blanca.
Both defendants were indicted in April 2025 and were subsequently transferred to the United States by the Government of Mexico.
Sentencing dates have not been set. Each faces a mandatory minimum of 10 years in federal prison and a maximum sentence of life imprisonment.
The case was investigated by multiple federal agencies, including the FBI, ATF, DEA and Homeland Security Investigations, with assistance from U.S. Border Patrol and Mexican authorities.