Man sentenced for smuggling R22
16th September 2025
USA: A man who confessed to smuggling five cylinders of illegal R22 refrigerant into the USA has been sentenced to three-years’ probation, including 15 days’ time served.
Juan Ignacio Martinez is said to have entered the United States at the Laredo, Texas, port of entry in May. Customs officers discovered five 30lb (13.6kg) cylinders of R22 refrigerant concealed in a toolbox attached to the bed of his truck. The refrigerant was valued at between $4,896 to $5,916.
Custom and Border Protection records revealed that Martinez attempted to cross into the United States on at least five other occasions, between July 2022 and December 2023. Agents denied him entry, informing him that it was illegal to possess refrigerants that were unlawful to bring into the United States. Each time, Martinez was allowed to return to Mexico with the refrigerant.
The investigation was conducted by the US Environmental Protection Agency Criminal Investigation Division.
