EDGAR VALDEZ-VILLAREAL, a high-level leader of Mexico’s Beltran-Leyva Cartel, has been brought to justice after pleading guilty to charges of cocaine trafficking in the Eastern District of Louisiana.
Valdez-Villareal, known as ‘La Barbie,’ was extradited to the United States from Mexico and is currently in federal custody. He pled guilty to conspiracy to distribute and distribution of cocaine in the Eastern District of Louisiana during 2001, under Rule 20 of the Federal Rules of Criminal Procedure.
The charges stem from an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration, which revealed that Valdez-Villareal arranged and supervised the transportation of approximately 33 kilograms of cocaine hydrochloride to New Orleans from Mexico in 2001.
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 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. He also faces a mandatory $100.00 special assessment for each count associated with this guilty plea.
U.S. Attorney Kenneth A. Polite commended the Drug Enforcement Administration for their work in investigating this matter, stating that their efforts have brought justice to the victims of Valdez-Villareal’s crimes.
Assistant United States Attorney William J. Quinlan, Jr. is leading the prosecution, and U.S. Attorney Polite praised his efforts in securing the guilty plea.
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Key Facts
- State: Louisiana
- Category: Drug Trafficking
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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