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Covert Operation Unravels, 13 Kilograms of Cocaine Seized
A high-profile case involving 13 kilograms of cocaine has come to a close with the sentencing of Jesus Andres Tijerina, a 45-year-old man from Hidalgo, Texas.
According to court documents, Tijerina pleaded guilty on June 4 to his role in a conspiracy to import the illicit substance from Mexico. His involvement led to the discovery of the large-scale cocaine operation, which was orchestrated with the aid of a co-conspirator, Simon Salazar.
On January 21, 2020, Salazar, 36, arrived at the Anzalduas Port of Entry from Mexico in a vehicle. Law enforcement officials referred the vehicle for secondary inspection, where they discovered the 13 kilograms of cocaine concealed inside the vehicle and wrapped in bundles.
Further investigation revealed that Tijerina was providing instructions for where Salazar should go in Mexico and how to deliver the narcotics once in the United States. Salazar previously pleaded guilty and received 25 months in federal prison for his role in the conspiracy.
The court heard additional evidence regarding Tijerina’s supervisory role in the drug trafficking organization during the sentencing hearing.
Chief U.S. District Judge Randy Crane has now ordered Tijerina to serve 120 months in federal prison to be immediately followed by five years of supervised release. Tijerina will remain in custody pending transfer to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future.
The investigation was conducted by Homeland Security Investigations and Customs and Border Protection, with Assistant U.S. Attorney Cahal P. McColgan prosecuting the case.
Jesus Andres Tijerina, Defendant, Crime: Conspiracy to Import Cocaine, State: Texas, Date: June 4, 2020, Outcome: 120 months in federal prison followed by 5 years of supervised release.
Key Facts
- State: Texas
- Category: Drug Trafficking
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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