Bazaldua-Mariscal Gets 10 Years

A 41-year-old woman from Mission, Texas, has been sentenced to 10 years in federal prison for importing cocaine from Mexico. Brenda Bazaldua-Mariscal pleaded guilty to the charges on May 22, 2023, and was sentenced by Chief U.S. District Judge Randy Crane.

According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Bazaldua-Mariscal was caught on August 12, 2021, attempting to cross the border at the Pharr Port of Entry. She was driving a Lincoln MKX and claimed to be traveling for a legitimate purpose. However, authorities noticed inconsistencies in her travel itinerary and referred her to secondary inspection.

A K-9 unit alerted to the presence of narcotics in the front of the vehicle, and a subsequent search revealed a non-factory compartment in the front bumper. Inside the compartment, authorities found 16 bundles of cocaine, weighing a total of 18 kilograms and valued at $234,000.

Further investigation revealed that Bazaldua-Mariscal was aware she was importing narcotics, and text messages on her phone indicated her involvement in the drug trafficking operation. The court heard additional evidence about the organizational structure of the drug trafficking organization during the sentencing hearing.

Chief U.S. District Judge Randy Crane handed down the sentence, taking into account Bazaldua-Mariscal’s previous 60-month sentence. She will serve 120 months in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release. Bazaldua-Mariscal will remain in custody pending transfer to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility.

The investigation was conducted by Homeland Security Investigations with the assistance of Customs and Border Protection. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jose A. Garcia prosecuted the case. The sentencing of Bazaldua-Mariscal is a significant blow to the drug trafficking organization and highlights the ongoing efforts of law enforcement to combat the flow of illicit substances across the border.

The case serves as a reminder of the serious consequences of involvement in drug trafficking and the importance of cooperation between law enforcement agencies to disrupt and dismantle these organizations. As the war on drugs continues, the sentencing of Bazaldua-Mariscal is a significant victory for law enforcement and a warning to those who would seek to engage in similar activities.