A Mexican national named Daniel Gonzalez-Munguia, also known by the alias “Alejandro Vasquez,” recently owned up to illegally bringing the drug pentobarbital into the U.S. for the purpose of assisting suicide.
Facing serious legal consequences, he admitted his guilt in a federal court in Chicago, where he’s now looking at a potential 20-year prison sentence. The judge has set the sentencing date for September 9th, and this case has certainly caught the attention of many.
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Pentobarbital is a drug that you don’t see much outside of hospitals. It’s primarily used in animal euthanasia and has a role in assisted suicides and even some executions across the United States. Gonzalez-Munguia’s story reveals a troubling online business where, between 2012 and 2021, he shipped hundreds of bottles of pentobarbital to customers in the U.S. and worldwide, with some tragic outcomes.
Homeland Security Investigations had been on this case since March 2016 after intercepting a package from Mexico. This package contained bottles labeled as “pentobarbital sodium,” which is sold in Mexico under the name “Pisabental” for animal euthanasia. The drugs were on their way to a hotel in Libertyville, Illinois, which is not too far from Chicago.
When agents tracked down the individual who ordered the drugs, they found a man dealing with personal struggles, including a divorce and a protection order from his wife. He confessed to having ordered a suicide manual and had wired money to Mexico for pentobarbital. Thankfully, he decided against going through with it, but his connection to the Yahoo! email used in the transactions helped build the case against Gonzalez-Munguia.
Gonzalez-Munguia cleverly disguised the pentobarbital shipments as cosmetic products and used intermediaries to get them into the U.S. His emails with customers provided detailed instructions on how to use the drug. These messages were chilling, as they guided users on mixing the drug with orange juice or alcohol for a “peaceful exit.”
The investigation revealed that Gonzalez-Munguia’s operation spanned across the United States and even reached other countries. Authorities conducted wellness checks and found pentobarbital with individuals who admitted to buying the drug online. Some, unfortunately, met tragic ends, including people in Illinois and beyond.
One particularly sad case involved a young person from California who paid $700 for three bottles of the drug. Found dead in a La Mesa hotel room, his cause of death is still under investigation, but a note with Gonzalez-Munguia’s name was found. Similarly, a 52-year-old from Boulder, Colorado, committed suicide after purchasing the same drug.
Undercover agents were able to buy pentobarbital directly from Gonzalez-Munguia, which strengthened the case against him. Being a Schedule II drug in the U.S., pentobarbital is tightly controlled due to its potential for abuse. Yet, it has still found its way into various smuggling operations, sometimes even being marketed as fentanyl.
In recent years, pentobarbital has been involved in other drug busts. For instance, in 2019, the Coast Guard discovered the drug on a boat off the Oregon coast. Similarly, a DEA operation in Texas found pentobarbital during a cartel-linked drug bust, where it was being sold as heroin.
The American Veterinary Medical Association reported a shortage of pentobarbital in 2021, emphasizing its importance in animal care. Meanwhile, its use in executions has risen as states have struggled to obtain other drugs for lethal injections. Former Attorney General William Barr even planned for its use in federal executions.
These incidents highlight a concerning trend of pentobarbital being smuggled and misused. The drug’s association with suicide and executions adds a layer of complexity to its regulation and control. The case against Gonzalez-Munguia underscores the need for vigilance in monitoring such substances.
Authorities have been working hard to crack down on illegal drug operations involving pentobarbital. The DEA’s significant seizures of various drugs demonstrate the ongoing battle against illicit substances. With dedicated efforts, law enforcement continues to target networks trafficking dangerous drugs.
The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is a crucial resource for those in need. It’s available around the clock, providing support to individuals facing crises. If you or someone you know is struggling, reaching out to this lifeline can make a difference.
