Chula Vista Woman Sentenced for Leading Drug Cell Linked to Sinaloa Cartel

Wuendi Valenzuela Valenzuela pleaded guilty to conspiracy charges related to drug trafficking and money laundering.

Published on Feb. 19, 2026

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A Chula Vista woman who prosecutors say held a leadership role in a drug trafficking organization with ties to the Sinaloa Cartel was sentenced to 11 years and three months in prison. Wuendi Valenzuela Valenzuela pleaded guilty to conspiracy counts related to money laundering and the distribution and importation of cocaine, admitting to helping import thousands of kilograms of cocaine from Mexico into the United States through San Diego County ports of entry.

Why it matters

This case highlights the ongoing efforts by federal authorities to disrupt drug trafficking organizations with links to powerful Mexican cartels like the Sinaloa Cartel, which have been known to use San Diego County as a major entry point for smuggling narcotics into the United States.

The details

According to her plea agreement, Valenzuela Valenzuela worked with co-conspirators to import 'thousands of kilograms of cocaine' from Mexico into the United States through San Diego County ports of entry, where it was then distributed throughout San Diego County and the U.S. She also admitted to helping move cash proceeds from drug sales back into Mexico. Federal authorities seized 685 kilograms of cocaine, 24 kilograms of fentanyl and $3.5 million in cash in what was described as the largest single seizure of its kind in the Southern District of California.

  • In November 2020, federal authorities seized the ammunition and found the large quantities of drugs and cash.
  • Valenzuela Valenzuela was sentenced on February 17, 2026.

The players

Wuendi Valenzuela Valenzuela

A Chula Vista woman who prosecutors say held a leadership role in a drug trafficking organization with ties to the Sinaloa Cartel.

Jorge Valenzuela

Wuendi Valenzuela Valenzuela's brother, who originally ran the drug trafficking operation.

Claudia Patricia Alvarez Hernandez

Jorge Valenzuela's wife, who was sentenced to 14 years in prison for her involvement in the operation.

Keith Octavio Rodriguez Padilla

An individual who obtained the 20,000 rounds of ammunition seized in Otay Mesa and was sentenced to over 19 years in prison.

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What they’re saying

“Though she 'understood the scope of the conspiracy when she joined,' her duties were largely limited to collecting her brother's assets and transporting some cash to Mexico.”

— Maxine Dobro, Wuendi Valenzuela Valenzuela's attorney (San Diego Union-Tribune)

What’s next

Jorge Valenzuela is slated to be sentenced in San Diego next month for his role in the drug trafficking organization.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing efforts by federal authorities to disrupt drug trafficking operations with ties to powerful Mexican cartels like the Sinaloa Cartel, which have used San Diego County as a major entry point for smuggling narcotics into the United States.