Robert Garza, Marijuana Trafficking, Texas 2012

Corpus Christi, TX - In a stunning blow to the narcotics trade, Roberto Garza, a 42-year-old man from Mission, Texas, has been sentenced to life in prison for his role in a large-scale marijuana trafficking conspiracy.

The conspiracy, which ran from 2003 to 2012, involved the possession and distribution of over 1,000 kilograms of marijuana. Garza, who was identified as a leader in the conspiracy, was found guilty along with eight other defendants, including Flavio Tamez, 47, and Jesus Marroquin, 50, both of Rio Grande City.

The conspiracy was brought down by a multi-agency Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) investigation, which included Homeland Security Investigations, Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation, Drug Enforcement Administration, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Texas Department of Public Safety, Brooks County Sheriff's Office, U.S. Border Patrol, Customs and Border Protection, and the United States Marshals Service.

As part of the conspiracy, the defendants used ranches adjacent to the Falfurrias Border Patrol Checkpoint to smuggle marijuana into the United States. The organization also used a secret underground compartment in an outhouse on one of the ranches to store up to 1,000 pounds of marijuana at a time.

Garza's sentence was handed down by U.S. District Judge Nelva Gonzales Ramos. Three other defendants, including Flavio Tamez and Jesus Marroquin, are set for sentencing next month.

The case highlights the devastating impact of marijuana trafficking on our communities. The evidence presented at trial showed that the defendants were responsible for the seizure of over 3 tons of marijuana, with a street value of millions of dollars.

The investigation and prosecution of this case were led by Assistant United States Attorney Julie K. Hampton. The case is a testament to the dedication and hard work of law enforcement agencies in the fight against narcotics trafficking.

Source: https://www.justice.gov/usao-sdtx/pr/life-sentenced-ordered-marijuana-trafficking-conspiracy