A Tijuana man has been charged in federal court in connection with the alleged smuggling of 250 pounds of fentanyl.

Alexis Benito Nuno, 24, was driving a pickup truck eastbound on Interstate 8 near the Golden Acorn Casino in the early morning hours of Monday, July 18, 2022, when Border Patrol agents stopped him. A Border Patrol K-9 alerted to the vehicle and a subsequent search of the truck led to the discovery of nearly 250 pounds of M30 fentanyl pills hidden in the gas tank and spare tire. Nuno was arrested and appeared in federal court Wednesday charged with Possession with Intent to Distribute a Controlled Substance. If convicted Nuno could face 20 years in prison.