CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas – A 64-year-old man from Texas has been ordered to prison for possession with intent to distribute approximately 16 kilograms of cocaine. Ascencion Garza Jr. pleaded guilty on January 10.
U.S. District Judge Nelva Gonzales Ramos has now ordered Garza to serve 144 months in federal prison to be immediately followed by five years of supervised release.
The court considered additional argument and discussion regarding Garza’s multiple prior federal drug-trafficking convictions. In handing down the sentence, the court noted the quantity of drugs involved and that Garza had not been deterred from committing the instant offense by prior sentences.
On September 7, 2022, Garza drove his truck into the primary inspection lane of a Border Patrol checkpoint located near Falfurrias. There, authorities searched his vehicle and discovered 15 bricks of cocaine in concealed compartments within the rear quarter-panels of the truck.
The drugs weighed approximately 16 kilograms and have an estimated street value of more than $1.1 million.
Garza will remain in custody pending transfer to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future.
Homeland Security Investigations and Customs and Border Protection conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Tyler Foster prosecuted the case.
The case highlights the ongoing efforts of law enforcement agencies to combat drug trafficking in the region.
Related Federal Cases
- Janelle Isaacs Gets 72 Months for Cocaine Smuggling Scheme · Texas
- Mario Urbina Pleads Guilty to Cocaine Conspiracy, United States, 2023 · Indiana
- Dhamari Jordan, Cocaine and Firearms Trafficking, Malden MA, 2023 · Texas
- Miguel Angel Lopez-Mejia Released Early, Smuggling, New Orleans LA,… · Louisiana
- Shannell Gosine Admits Coast-to-Coast Cocaine Trafficking, Buffalo … · New York
Key Facts
- State: Texas
- Category: Drug Trafficking
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
ðŸâ€Â’ Get the grimiest stories delivered weekly. Subscribe free →
MORE FEDERAL CRIME NEWS
Drug TraffickingDrug TraffickingDrug TraffickingDrug Trafficking