Edgar Valdez-Villareal, Cocaine Trafficking, Louisiana 2001

Notorious Mexican Cartel Leader Pleads Guilty to Cocaine Trafficking in Louisiana

Edgar Valdez-Villareal, a/k/a “La Barbie,” a United States Citizen who rose to be a high-level leader of Mexico’s Beltran-Leyva Cartel, has pled guilty to charges of conspiracy to distribute and distribution of cocaine in the Eastern District of Louisiana during 2001. The guilty plea, which was entered today in the Northern District of Georgia, resulted from an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration.

VALDEZ-VILLAREAL arranged and supervised the transportation of approximately 33 kilograms of cocaine hydrochloride to New Orleans from Mexico in 2001. This case is a significant blow to the Beltran-Leyva Cartel, which has been responsible for numerous violent crimes and cocaine trafficking in the region. Two other individuals, CESAR PENA-GIRON and GABRIEL BENAVIDEZ, were indicted and pled guilty in 2002 in connection with this investigation and seizure of the 33 kilograms of cocaine.

VALDEZ-VILLAREAL is in federal custody since his extradition to the United States from Mexico. He faces a minimum term of ten years imprisonment and a maximum term of life imprisonment, followed by at least five years supervised release, and a maximum fine of $10,000,000. There is also a mandatory $100.00 special assessment for each count associated with this guilty plea.

U.S. Attorney Kenneth A. Polite praised the work of the Drug Enforcement Administration for their work investigating this matter. Assistant United States Attorney William J. Quinlan, Jr. is in charge of the prosecution.

This case is a testament to the dedication and hard work of law enforcement agencies in bringing to justice those responsible for cocaine trafficking and violent crimes. The investigation and prosecution of VALDEZ-VILLAREAL demonstrate the commitment of the U.S. Attorney’s Office to holding accountable those who engage in such activities.

The guilty plea of Edgar Valdez-Villareal is a significant development in the ongoing efforts to dismantle the Beltran-Leyva Cartel and disrupt their cocaine trafficking operations. It is a reminder that those who engage in such activities will be held accountable and face severe consequences.

The case is being prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Louisiana. The Drug Enforcement Administration conducted the investigation.

MORE FEDERAL CRIME NEWS

Drug Trafficking

United States v. Baker, Conspiracy, New York 2022

Apr 4, 2022

Drug Trafficking

Eric Holder, DEA Administrator Exit, District of Columbia 2015

Apr 21, 2015

Drug Trafficking

Alexis Garcia Cabrera, Possession of Over 1 Kilogram of Heroin, New Jersey 2019

May 10, 2019

Drug Trafficking

Misha Cannon, Cocaine Trafficking, Pennsylvania 2015

Jul 14, 2015