Woman claims boyfriend gifted car with 58 meth bundles

Marissa Gissele Alonso says she was unaware of the hidden drugs when crossing the border.

Mar. 13, 2026 at 11:12am

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A 20-year-old woman named Marissa Gissele Alonso was caught with 58 bundles of methamphetamine hidden in a car that her boyfriend had recently gifted her. Alonso says she was unaware of the drugs and repeatedly asked her boyfriend if the vehicle contained anything illegal before crossing the border from Mexico into the United States.

Why it matters

This case highlights the growing issue of drug smuggling attempts across the U.S.-Mexico border, with methamphetamine being one of the most common drugs seized by authorities. It also raises questions about the culpability of individuals who may unknowingly be transporting illicit substances.

The details

Alonso was pulled over at the Dennis DeConcini Port of Entry in Nogales, Arizona, after drawing the attention of a U.S. Customs and Border Protection officer. An X-ray scan of the 2015 Hyundai Sonata she was driving revealed 58 plastic bundles containing 55.7 pounds of methamphetamine hidden in the doors and passenger rear panels. Alonso claims the car was a gift from her boyfriend, whom she had only known for about three months, and that he had registered the vehicle in her name in Mexico and insisted she bring it across the border.

  • On March 13, 2026, Alonso was caught with the drugs at the border crossing.
  • A federal grand jury in Tucson, Arizona, charged Alonso on Wednesday with conspiracy, illegal importation of methamphetamine, and possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine.

The players

Marissa Gissele Alonso

A 20-year-old woman who was caught with 58 bundles of methamphetamine hidden in a car that her boyfriend had recently gifted her.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection

The federal agency that apprehended Alonso at the Dennis DeConcini Port of Entry in Nogales, Arizona, after she drew the attention of a CBP officer.

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What they’re saying

“Alonso's demeanor 'seemed very hectic, as if she was in a hurry to go somewhere,'”

— CBP officer

“Alonso said the boyfriend registered the car in her name in Mexico and 'was very insistent' that she cross the vehicle into the United States.”

— Marissa Gissele Alonso

What’s next

A federal grand jury in Tucson, Arizona, charged Alonso on Wednesday with separate counts of conspiracy, illegal importation of methamphetamine and possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing challenges of drug smuggling across the U.S.-Mexico border, as well as the potential for innocent individuals to be unwittingly involved in the transport of illicit substances. It underscores the importance of thorough investigations to determine culpability in such cases.