Jul 19, 2024

Officers in KC seize fentanyl, meth from home of Mexican national

Posted Jul 19, 2024 1:00 AM

KANSAS CITY— A Mexican national residing in Kansas City was indicted by a federal grand jury this week after law enforcement officers seized more than 54 kilograms of methamphetamine and a large amount of fentanyl from his residence, according to the United State's Attorney.

Jose Feliciano Cordova Rodriguez, 36, was charged in a three-count indictment returned by a federal grand jury in Kansas City.  The indictment replaces a federal criminal complaint that was filed against Rodriguez on June 24, 2024, and includes additional charges.

The indictment alleges that Cordova Rodriguez participated in a conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine from Jan. 1 to June 22, 2024. The indictment also charges Cordova Rodriguez with one count of possessing methamphetamine with the intent to distribute and one count of possessing fentanyl with the intent to distribute.

According to an affidavit filed in support of the original criminal complaint, law enforcement officers searched Cordova Rodriguez’s residence on June 22, 2024, after surveillance indicated he was involved in a large drug shipment. Officers found five brown boxes that each contained 10 bundles with a total of 54.6 kilograms of methamphetamine. Officers also found a heat-sealed bag in a hole in the wall in the basement that contained 431.1 grams of fentanyl. Officers also found $12,800 in cash in the basement.

The charges contained in this indictment are simply accusations, and not evidence of guilt. Evidence supporting the charges must be presented to a federal trial jury, whose duty is to determine guilt or innocence.

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeffrey Q. McCarther. It was investigated by the FBI and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.