Genaro Garcia Luna, Mexico’s former Secretary of Public Security (2006-2012), was sentenced today to 460 months in prison and fined $2 million by U.S. District Judge Brian M. Cogan. Garcia Luna accepted millions in bribes from the Sinaloa Cartel in exchange for facilitating the transportation of more than one million kilograms of cocaine into the United States. In February 2023, a jury found him guilty of operating a continuing criminal enterprise, international drug trafficking, and lying to obtain U.S. citizenship.
The sentencing was announced by U.S. Attorney Breon Peace (Eastern District of New York), DEA Administrator Anne Milgram, and HSI Executive Associate Director Katrina W. Berger.
“Garcia Luna’s betrayal unleashed deadly narcotics and violence in both the U.S. and Mexico,” said Peace. “This sentence demonstrates that no one is above the law, no matter their position or influence.”
Milgram emphasized that the case sends a global message: “Leaders who exploit their power for cartels will face justice.” Berger added, “HSI remains committed to dismantling criminal networks responsible for drug trafficking.”
Garcia Luna used his official positions—including head of the Federal Police and the Federal Investigative Agency (AFI)—to protect the Sinaloa Cartel, providing safe passage for drug shipments, sensitive law enforcement intelligence, and assistance in attacks against rival cartels. In exchange, cartel members were allowed to impersonate police and received help unloading cocaine at Mexico City’s airport.
Bribes, often delivered in suitcases, briefcases, or duffel bags, increased as the cartel’s influence expanded with Garcia Luna’s help. Witnesses testified that payoffs occurred at multiple locations, including a hidden “safe house” in Mexico City, a car wash in Guadalajara, and a restaurant near the U.S. Embassy. After moving to the U.S. in 2012, Garcia Luna attempted to conceal his cartel ties by lying in a 2018 naturalization application.
The Court also found that Garcia Luna obstructed justice by trying to bribe inmates for false testimony to overturn his conviction.
The case was part of a joint effort led by the New York Strike Force, a coalition of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies. The investigation was further supported by the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force and HSI’s El Dorado Task Force, which includes more than 200 personnel from 35 agencies.
The prosecution was handled by the International Narcotics and Money Laundering Section, led by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Saritha Komatireddy, Erin Reid, Ryan Harris, Philip Pilmar, and Adam Amir, with assistance from Paralegal Specialists Huda Abouchaer and Melissa Bennett.
By FCCT Editorial Team
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