Laredo Man Convicted in International Cocaine Conspiracy

Laredo, Texas – A notorious crime lord has been brought to justice after a four-year investigation by law enforcement agencies. Carlos Alberto Gonzalez, 36, of Laredo, has been convicted of conspiracies to possess five kilograms or more of cocaine with the intent to distribute and international money laundering.

A sealed indictment was returned by a grand jury on Nov. 6, 2012, which alleged a drug trafficking organization transported more than 200 kilograms of cocaine from 2010 to 2011, much of which was intercepted by authorities en route to Dallas. According to court documents, Gonzalez introduced a Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) undercover agent to the source of supply in Mexico and assisted in the coordination efforts of the organization.

Gonzalez admitted he assisted in the transportation of drugs from Mexico to Dallas and the surrounding areas. He also pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit international money laundering, admitting to the attempted transportation of $1,479,660 and a sub-machine gun with a suppressor from Atlanta, Ga., Nuevo Laredo, Mexico.

U.S. District Judge Diana Saldaña, who accepted the guilty plea today, has set sentencing for a date to be determined in the future. At that time, Gonzalez faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years and up to life in prison as well as a $10 million fine for the drug conspiracy and up to 20 years and a substantial fine for conspiracy to commit international money laundering.

The case is the result of a four-year Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force investigation dubbed Operation Roadblock led by the DEA with the assistance of Homeland Security Investigations, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the United States Marshals Service. Assistant United States Attorneys James Hepburn and Elizabeth Rabe are handling the case.

Gonzalez’s conviction marks a significant blow to the international cocaine trade and highlights the dedication of law enforcement agencies to disrupting and dismantling organized crime groups. As the investigation continues, it is clear that Gonzalez’s arrest is a major victory for the people of Texas and the United States.

The United States is also seeking a money judgment in the amount of $5,303,660 based on the amount of cocaine and money transported by the organization during the span of the conspiracy.

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