California Man Sentenced for Cocaine Trafficking in Maryland

Valencia-Birruetta was part of a Baltimore-based drug ring that distributed drugs in National Harbor

Published on Feb. 21, 2026

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A 35-year-old California man named Mario Valencia-Birruetta has been sentenced to 121 months in prison for his role in a Baltimore-based drug trafficking organization that distributed large quantities of cocaine, including in the National Harbor area of Maryland. Valencia-Birruetta was arrested in August 2023 after law enforcement tracked his movements and caught him with dozens of kilograms of cocaine.

Why it matters

This case highlights the ongoing challenge of combating drug trafficking and distribution networks that operate across state lines. The seizure of firearms and drug processing equipment also raises concerns about the potential for violence associated with these criminal enterprises.

The details

In July 2023, investigators learned that Valencia-Birruetta was part of the Baltimore-based drug trafficking organization. They placed him on a flight watch list, and on August 15, 2023, they began surveilling him after he purchased a ticket to travel to Baltimore. Over the next several days, law enforcement observed Valencia-Birruetta meeting with other suspected drug traffickers in Baltimore and the National Harbor area. On August 24, 2023, they saw Valencia-Birruetta with a stack of cash and making a deposit at a bank. A week later, when Valencia-Birruetta returned to Baltimore, investigators followed him to a stash location in Timonium where they seized 43 kilograms of cocaine from his vehicle and another 32 kilograms from the stash location. They also found drug processing equipment, cash, and firearms.

  • In July 2023, investigators learned that Valencia-Birruetta was part of the drug trafficking organization.
  • On August 15, 2023, investigators began surveilling Valencia-Birruetta after he purchased a ticket to travel to Baltimore.
  • From August 15 to August 24, 2023, investigators observed Valencia-Birruetta meeting with other suspected drug traffickers.
  • On August 24, 2023, investigators saw Valencia-Birruetta with a stack of cash and making a deposit at a bank.
  • On August 30, 2023, investigators arrested Valencia-Birruetta at Baltimore Washington International Airport.

The players

Mario Valencia-Birruetta

A 35-year-old California man who was part of a Baltimore-based drug trafficking organization that distributed large quantities of cocaine, including in the National Harbor area of Maryland.

Co-conspirator 1 (CC-1)

A member of the drug trafficking organization who was observed carrying bags into the stash location in Timonium.

Co-conspirator 2 (CC-2)

A member of the drug trafficking organization who was observed picking up Valencia-Birruetta and traveling with him to National Harbor.

Co-conspirator 3 (CC-3)

A member of the drug trafficking organization who met with Valencia-Birruetta and CC-2 at the National Harbor Park and Ride lot.

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What’s next

U.S. District Judge James K. Bredar will decide on Tuesday whether to allow any of Valencia-Birruetta's co-conspirators to be released on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing challenge of combating cross-state drug trafficking networks and the need for continued law enforcement efforts to disrupt the supply chain and seize illicit drugs, drug processing equipment, and firearms associated with these criminal enterprises.