St. Thomas, VI – A massive cocaine bust in international waters has led to the seizure of 1,295 kilograms of the illicit substance and the charges against two Mexican nationals.
The United States Coast Guard intercepted a go-fast vessel on September 5, 2024, approximately 427 nautical miles southwest of Acapulco, Mexico. The vessel, with no flag or indicia of nationality, was found dead in the water with bales of contraband visible on board.
Julio Contreras Bueno and Christian Garay Ochoa, both of Mexico, were found on board the vessel along with another individual, Francisco Hernandez Penaloza. The Mexican government could not confirm the nationality of the vessel, which was subsequently determined to be one without nationality, subject to the jurisdiction of the United States.
A search of the vessel revealed 35 bales of contraband, two of which tested positive for cocaine. The contraband was removed, and the damaged vessel was sunk.
Contreras Bueno and Garay Ochoa appeared before Magistrate G. Alan Teague on September 5, 2024, charged with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine while on board a vessel subject to the jurisdiction of the United States.
If convicted, they face a minimum of ten years and a maximum of life in prison. A federal district court judge will determine the sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
This case is being investigated by the United States Coast Guard and Drug Enforcement Administration, and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Kyle Payne as part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigation.
U.S. Attorney Delia L. Smith reminds the public that a criminal indictment is merely an allegation, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Key Facts
- State: Virgin Islands
- Category: Drug Trafficking
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
ðŸâ€Â’ Get the grimiest stories delivered weekly. Subscribe free →
MORE FEDERAL CRIME NEWS
US NewsUS NewsUS NewsUS News