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Drug trafficking is unfortunately all too common across the US, but one San Diego drug trafficking case involves a truly unlikely suspect. That’s because this particular border drug trafficker is also a San Diego Parks and Recreation city park manager.
In the Big House but Not Out of a Job
What happens when you strap 11 pounds of cocaine and seven pounds of fentanyl to your body and try to cross the US-Mexico border? For Juan Nazario Lizarraga Peraltaone, this act landed him in jail—but not out of a job.
Juan Lizarraga, a resident of National City, California, is listed as an Area Manager for the City’s Parks and Recreation Department, Memorial and Stockton (District 8). Part of the Community Parks II Division, this department includes facilities and programs such as neighborhood parks, swimming pools, school programs and senior centers.
In May of 2025, Lizarraga attempted to cross the San Ysidro Port of Entry with 18 pounds of illegal substances. The busy San Diego sector shares a 60 mile land border with Mexico and its San Ysidro Port of Entry is considered the busiest land port in the Western hemisphere..
Lizarraga’s smuggling attempt at this high-traffic port failed. Customs and Border Patrol Agents found the drugs, and Lizarraga was arrested.
Facing Federal Trafficking Charges
A person in Lizarraga’s shoes can face up to a lifetime of imprisonment for a first-time offense of large-quantity drug trafficking, as well as millions of dollars in fines.
Despite these potential consequences, Lizarraga’s crime isn’t uncommon. In fact, that same week, Southern District of California federal prosecutors filed 152 other border-related cases. Not all cases were substance-related, but the constant activity at the San Ysidro Port of Entry has made this region the fourth-busiest federal district in the country.
Off the Hook?
After his arrest in May, it was reported in July that Lizarraga was still on the job. Lizarraga was also granted court permission to make three separate trips to Mexico since his arrest.
Why the leniency? How is he back at work after a major drug bust? A City spokesperson commented that Lizarraga “remains in his job commensurate with due process.”
After being charged, Lizarraga was able to make bail for $20,000. Then, records indicate Lizarraga’s attorney negotiated a plea bargain of some sort just two short weeks after the arrest. However, details of the bargain are sealed.
Drug trafficking remains a concern in cities and towns like San Diego and across the US, but it’s possible to break free of the traffickers’ thrall. If you’re experiencing addiction, there is help and hope on the other side of recovery.
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