A Colombian national has admitted to conspiring to import 15 kilograms of cocaine into the United States from Columbia, according to a recent plea deal.
Savier Cervantes, 37, of Cartagena, Colombia, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Evelyn Padin in Newark federal court on September 30, 2024, to an information charging him with one count of conspiracy to import cocaine. This crime carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $1 million dollars.
According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court, Cervantes facilitated the transfer of five kilograms of cocaine from a source of supply in Colombia to a U.S. citizen, Antonio Diaz, in December 2021. He also helped arrange for the transportation of that cocaine from Cartagena to New Jersey.
In June and July 2022, Cervantes introduced a U.S. citizen, Bashimi Briscoe, to two individuals in Colombia who sold Briscoe 10 kilograms of cocaine. He also arranged a meeting with a third individual who offered to transport that cocaine to the United States.
Briscoe previously pleaded guilty to conspiracy to import cocaine into the United States. Diaz also pleaded guilty to charges of conspiracy to distribute and possession with the intent to distribute cocaine.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of New Jersey credited special agents of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) with the investigation leading to the guilty plea.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Aaron L. Webman of the Economic Crimes Unit in Newark.
Sentencing is scheduled for March 12, 2025.
Key Facts
- State: New Jersey
- 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