Martha Diaz/Cuba/Cocaine Distribution, Forgery

Martha Diaz, a Cuba national found to be in the country illegally, was arrested in Albuquerque, New Mexico, on charges of cocaine distribution, forgery.

Drug trafficking operations that move narcotics across U.S. borders fuel addiction and violence in communities nationwide. Federal and state law enforcement treat trafficking cases as among their highest enforcement priorities, particularly when the individual involved has no lawful status in the country. Charges at this level typically carry significant mandatory minimum sentences and, for illegal aliens, near-certain removal following any time served. Diaz’s arrest reflects ongoing efforts to disrupt narcotics supply chains before product reaches local communities.

Diaz remains in ICE custody pending a hearing before a federal immigration judge. No trial date on the criminal charges has been announced publicly. If the immigration court orders removal, Diaz would be returned to Cuba.