Laredo felon indicted for trafficking fentanyl and possessing various firearms

LAREDO, Texas - A 39-year-old man has been charged with conspiracy to distribute fentanyl, distribution of fentanyl, being a felon in possession of a firearm and possession of a machine gun, announced U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani.

A federal grand jury has now returned a four-count indictment against Rolando Soliz. Previously in custody upon the filing of a criminal complaint Aug. 1, he is set to appear for his arraignment on the indictment in the near future.

According to the charges, over the course of two days, law enforcement conducted surveillance on Soliz. During the surveillance, authorities witnessed him allegedly perform multiple hand-to-hand narcotics transactions. Law enforcement stopped one of his customers who they searched and arrested for possession of fentanyl, according to the charges.

The charges further allege the customer had previously purchased fentanyl from Soliz. On previous occasions, he had also allegedly seen large quantities of fentanyl in Soliz's apartment.

On July 31, authorities executed two search warrants for properties associated with Soliz and found 10 firearms including a short-barrel rifle with no serial number with modifications to operate as a machine gun, according to the charges.

As a convicted felon, he is prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition per federal law.

In addition to the firearms, law enforcement allegedly discovered nearly 25 grams of fentanyl and seized $16,311 in U.S. currency.

If convicted, Soliz faces up to 20 years in federal prison and a possible $1 million maximum fine.

The Drug Enforcement Administration conducted the investigation with the assistance of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Customs and Border Protection, Webb County Attorney's Office and Webb County Constables.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Andrew P. Hakala-Finch is prosecuting the case.