Keith Octavio Rodriguez Padilla, a key figure in firearms trafficking, has been sentenced to 19.5 years in federal prison for supplying weapons and ammunition to the Sinaloa Cartel. The sentencing took place in San Diego as part of an extensive investigation into the Valenzuela Transnational Criminal Organization (TCO), which is linked to the Sinaloa Cartel.
The Valenzuela TCO has been identified as one of the largest cocaine importers into the United States, sourcing drugs from South America and Mexico. The organization used commercial trucking companies to transport these substances across the U.S.-Mexico border, smuggling them into the country and distributing them nationwide. Proceeds from drug trafficking were then sent back to Mexico.
Court records reveal that during 2020, a violent conflict occurred between factions within the Sinaloa Cartel. This led Jorge Alberto Valenzuela Valenzuela's group to acquire large quantities of firearms and tactical gear. Many of these items were sourced from the United States and smuggled into Mexico through various arms trafficking networks.
Rodriguez Padilla was identified as a broker for firearms and ammunition for the TCO. He supplied a range of weapons including .50 caliber rifles, submachine guns, grenade launchers, assault-style rifles, handguns, and tens of thousands of rounds of ammunition. These items were acquired in states like California, Arizona, and Nevada before being smuggled into Mexico.
On November 20, 2020, DEA and HSI agents conducted surveillance at a truck yard operated by the TCO in San Diego's Otay Mesa area. A search revealed over $3 million in cash along with significant quantities of cocaine and fentanyl. Agents also seized thousands of rounds of ammunition and ballistic plate carriers connected to Rodriguez Padilla's operations.
To date, this investigation has resulted in charges against 109 individuals with substantial seizures including drugs valued at over $16 million.
U.S. Attorney Tara McGrath stated: “Guns and ammunition smuggled into Mexico support cartels and empower drug traffickers.” She emphasized that this case is part of broader efforts by the Department of Justice (DOJ) to combat cartel operations comprehensively.
Shawn Gibson from Homeland Security Investigations praised collaborative efforts among law enforcement agencies: “This extensive investigation highlights our unwavering commitment to protecting our country.”
DEA Special Agent Brian Clark noted: “Weapons trafficking fuels drug-related violence... This sentence underscores our commitment.”
FBI Acting Special Agent Travis Holland highlighted inter-agency cooperation: “Today’s sentence serves as a reminder... we will continue... against individuals working on their behalf.”
Special Agent Tyler Hatcher from IRS Criminal Investigation remarked on coordinated efforts: “Protecting American citizens is... priority for every law enforcement organization.”
The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Matthew J. Sutton and Mikaela Weber under an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces initiative focused on disrupting major criminal organizations through multi-agency collaboration.