ST. THOMAS, VI – Carlos Gascot Concepcion, a 46-year-old man from Puerto Rico, is facing a lengthy federal prison sentence after a jury found him guilty of attempting to traffic a significant quantity of cocaine through the Cyril E. King Airport on St. Thomas. The conviction, handed down after a two-day trial, underscores the ongoing battle against drug smuggling in the U.S. Virgin Islands.
The bust went down October 4, 2023, as Gascot Concepcion was attempting to catch a flight back to Puerto Rico. After breezing through Customs, he was flagged for a routine baggage inspection by vigilant Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers. That’s when the scheme unraveled. Inside his suitcase, officers discovered a tightly wrapped, brick-shaped package concealing approximately one kilogram of cocaine – a substantial amount intended for distribution.
United States Attorney Delia L. Smith announced the guilty verdict, a clear message that the Department of Justice will aggressively pursue those who attempt to exploit the territory as a transit point for illegal narcotics. The feds didn’t elaborate on where the cocaine originated, but sources suggest it was likely destined for the streets of Puerto Rico or further points beyond.
Chief District Judge Robert A. Molloy has scheduled Gascot Concepcion’s sentencing for October 4, 2024. He’s looking at a maximum of 20 years behind bars and a hefty fine of up to $1,000,000.00. Considering the quantity of cocaine involved and the deliberate attempt to bypass security, a significant sentence is almost guaranteed.
The investigation was a collaborative effort, spearheaded by U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Homeland Security Investigations, and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). The seamless coordination between these agencies proved crucial in securing the conviction. Assistant United States Attorneys Kyle Payne and Kimberly Riley skillfully prosecuted the case, presenting irrefutable evidence to the jury.
This case serves as a stark reminder of the persistent threat of drug trafficking in the Caribbean. While authorities work tirelessly to interdict shipments and dismantle criminal organizations, the demand for illicit substances continues to fuel the flow. Grimy Times will continue to follow this case and report on the sentencing of Carlos Gascot Concepcion when it occurs.
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Key Facts
- State: Virgin Islands
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Drug Trafficking
- Source: Official Source ↗
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