Texas Woman Pleads Guilty to Smuggling Unaccompanied Minor Immigrants Using THC-Laced Candy
(Texas = Alex Walczak) Dianne Guadian, a 33-year-old woman from El Paso, Texas, has pleaded guilty to smuggling unaccompanied minor immigrants into the United States, using THC-laced candy to sedate children during the illegal crossings, federal authorities announced on July 28.
According to the U.S. Justice Department, Guadian and three accomplices operated a smuggling ring that transported unaccompanied children aged 5 to 13 from Juarez, Mexico, into the United States. Court documents reveal that the group used candy containing THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) to calm the children during the crossings. The smugglers falsely claimed to be the children’s parents and presented forged U.S. documents to border officials.
Once inside the U.S., the children were transported to El Paso. In one case, a child showing signs of THC poisoning was taken to a local hospital for treatment. Manuel Valenzuela, one of Guadian’s co-defendants, was sentenced to five years in prison earlier this month for his role in the operation.
Assistant Attorney General A. Tysen Duva condemned the group’s actions, stating, “They engaged in serious and dangerous conduct by drugging children to make money. Smuggling unaccompanied minors exposes them to risks like human trafficking and sexual assault, robbing them of their innocence.”
U.S. Attorney Justin R. Simmons of the Western District of Texas praised Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agents for their vigilance, which led to the children receiving timely medical care and the arrest of the smugglers. “Those who endanger children through smuggling will face strict prosecution,” Simmons said.
Matthew Millhollin, Deputy Executive Associate Director of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), called Guadian’s actions “immoral” and emphasized HSI’s commitment to dismantling such criminal networks exploiting vulnerable children.
El Paso Border Patrol Chief Jesse Munoz highlighted the disturbing tactic of drugging children and expressed relief that agents contributed to the successful prosecution.
Guadian pleaded guilty to four counts of aiding and abetting illegal entry for profit. She faces 5 to 15 years in federal prison, with sentencing pending. The case was investigated by HSI El Paso and U.S. Border Patrol, with support from HSI’s Human Smuggling Unit in Washington, D.C., and CBP’s International Interdiction Task Force.
Prosecutors Bethany Allen and Adam Hines are handling the case under the Joint Task Force Alpha (JTFA), a DOJ and DHS partnership targeting cartel-related human smuggling and trafficking. JTFA has secured over 465 arrests and 424 convictions related to transnational criminal organizations.
This prosecution is part of the broader “Operation Take Back America,” a nationwide initiative aimed at combating illegal immigration and cartel crimes, linked with the DOJ’s Project Safe Neighborhoods. The case underscores U.S. authorities’ firm stance against the smuggling of unaccompanied minors and their commitment to protecting vulnerable children from exploitation.
