Diana Vela, Marijuana Trafficking, Texas 2022

A 70-year-old San Antonio woman has been convicted of trafficking over $1 million in marijuana, announced U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani.

Diana Vela, 70, has pleaded guilty to possessing with the intent to distribute more than 90 kilograms of marijuana.

On September 11, 2022, Vela drove a Ford Fusion sedan into the primary inspection area of the Border Patrol checkpoint located near Falfurrias. A service K-9 alerted to the presence of narcotics in the vehicle.

When authorities asked for permission to search the sedan, Vela reported to have drugs in the trunk. When agents opened the trunk, they discovered 10 large, vacuum-sealed bundles of marijuana weighing over 200 pounds.

Laboratory analysis later confirmed the substance in the bundles was marijuana. The marijuana had a total weight of 91 kilograms with an estimated street value of more than $1 million.

U.S. District Judge Nelva Gonzales Ramos will impose sentencing on April 12. At that time, Vela faces up to 40 years in prison as well as a maximum $1 million possible fine. She is currently permitted to remain on bond pending that hearing.

The Drug Enforcement Administration conducted the investigation with the assistance of the Border Patrol. Assistant U.S. Attorneys John Marck and Robert D. Thorpe Jr. are prosecuting the case.

The exact criminal charges against Vela are possessing with the intent to distribute more than 90 kilograms of marijuana. The crime occurred on September 11, 2022, in Falfurrias, Texas. Vela’s sentence or outcome includes up to 40 years in prison as well as a maximum $1 million fine.

The defendant’s real full name is Diana Vela, and she is a 70-year-old resident of San Antonio, Texas. The estimated street value of the seized marijuana is over $1 million.

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