A former officer with the U.S. Customs and Border Protection has been sentenced to 15 years in prison for accepting bribes to let drug-laden vehicles cross the southern border into the United States.

Diego Bonillo, aged 31, faced charges of conspiracy to import controlled substances and actual importation of these substances.

“This sentence ensures Bonillo faces the consequences for violating public trust,” remarked Adam Gordon, the U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of California, in a statement.

“He misused his authority for personal financial gain, facilitating the entry of dangerous drugs through a port of entry, thereby endangering communities. Such corruption will be rigorously prosecuted, and we will not shy away from holding accountable those who choose greed over duty,” he added.

Diego Bonillo, 31, accepted bribes to permit smugglers to bring vehicles filled with drugs into the U.S. (AP Photo/Eric Gay, File)

Bonillo admitted to working for a Mexico-based drug trafficking organization and agreeing to accept payment to allow drug-laden vehicles into the U.S. without inspection, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office.

The former officer confessed to allowing at least 75 kilograms of fentanyl, 11.7 kilograms of methamphetamine and more than one kilogram of heroin into the country. Prosecutors said he allowed at least 15 vehicles to enter the country without inspection from October 2023 to April 2024.

The former officer confessed to allowing at least 75 kilograms of fentanyl, 11.7 kilograms of methamphetamine and more than one kilogram of heroin into the country. (Getty Images)

Bonillo was using a second phone unknown to law enforcement to communicate his lane assignments to drug smugglers so they would know from which lane and what time he could ensure their entry.

He used the money from the scheme to travel internationally, purchase luxury items and tickets to a boxing match, attempt to purchase property in Mexico and spend time at the Hong Kong Gentlemen’s Club in Tijuana, Mexico.

Diego Bonillo allowed at least 15 vehicles to enter the country without inspection from October 2023 to April 2024. (CBP)

“Former CBP Officer Diego Bonillo allowed massive amounts of drugs into the U.S. without regard for the deadly consequences it could have on our communities,” Mark Dargis, special agent in charge of the FBI San Diego Field Office, said in a statement.

“He disgraced the badge and violated his oath to protect the American people,” he continued. “This conduct betrays the public’s trust and is contradictory to the values and standards expected of a federal law enforcement officer. FBI San Diego and our partners will not tolerate such dishonorable behavior. This sentence reflects the FBI’s commitment to hold accountable anyone who corrupts their role at the expense of our citizens’ safety.”