Hector Julian Sustaita, Cocaine Smuggling, Texas 2024

Hector Julian Sustaita, a 37-year-old resident of Edinburg, Texas, was ordered to serve 48 months in federal prison for attempting to smuggle 43 kilograms of cocaine into the United States.

On June 7, 2024, Sustaita was stopped at the Falfurrias Border Patrol checkpoint in a Chevrolet Silverado. When questioned, he claimed he was heading to Houston to work on solar panels, but authorities did not observe any luggage or tools in the vehicle.

An x-ray scan revealed anomalies in the vehicle's frame, and a K-9 alerted to the odor of drugs. A subsequent search resulted in the seizure of 36 bundles of cocaine wrapped in cellophane and tape. Five were located inside the dashboard, another five were inside the rear door and 26 inside a hidden compartment near the truck bed.

The seized cocaine had a gross weight of 43.04 kilograms with an estimated street value of over $3 million.

Sustaita pleaded guilty to the charges on December 12, 2024. U.S. District Judge David Morales sentenced him to 48 months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release.

The investigation was conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration with the assistance of Customs and Border Protection. Assistant U.S. Attorney Yasmine K. Tucker prosecuted the case.

Sustaita was previously released on bond but was taken into custody following the sentencing. He will remain pending transfer to a Federal Bureau of Prisons facility, which will be determined in the near future.

Source: https://www.justice.gov/usao-sdtx/pr/edinburg-man-sent-prison-trying-smuggle-3-million-cocaine