Californians facing up to life in prison for allegedly transporting meth, fentanyl in foam statues

COZAD, Neb. -- Two Californians are facing federal charges related to an alleged drug discovery in central Nebraska, according unsealed indictments released Thursday by Acting U.S. Attorney Steven Russell.

Adriana Gonzalez, 32, and Ildefonso Rivera-Leon, 51, both of San Ysidro, California, are charged with possession with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine and 100 grams of fentanyl on August 18 of this year.

The Nebraska State Patrol arrested the pair after reportedly finding 59 lbs. of suspected methamphetamine and nine lbs. of suspected fentanyl stuffed inside foam statues at an I-80 rest stop in Dawson County.

A trooper contacted Gonzalez and Rivera-Leon at the rest area near mile marker 227 by Cozad.

The foam statues were reportedly found in a search of the vehicle, with troopers alleging that the statues were hollow and filled with several packages of controlled substances.

The penalty, if convicted, is 10 years to life in prison, along with a $10,000,000 fine. The two suspects would also face five years to life of supervised release, along with special assessment fees.

There is also an allegation to forfeit $2,900 in United States currency seized during the same incident in August of this year.