Victor Manuel Valencia Rascon, Cocaine Trafficking, Texas 2019

A 47-year-old Mexican national has been ordered to federal prison following his conviction of importing cocaine into the United States, announced U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Patrick. Victor Manuel Valencia Rascon, a former medical doctor in the Mexican military, pleaded guilty to the crime on June 3, 2019.

Rascon's downfall began on March 3, 2019, when he attempted to enter the United States at the Hidalgo Port of Entry. During inspection, law enforcement discovered a suitcase in his trunk containing 25 brick-shaped packages weighing 27.54 kilograms of cocaine.

AUTHORITIES TESTED THE CONTENTS AND CONFIRMED IT TO BE COCAINE. Rascon admitted he was aware he was importing cocaine and that he expected to be paid $2,000 per kilogram successfully imported into the United States.

Today, U.S. District Judge Ricardo H. Hinojosa ordered Rascon to serve a total of 37 months in federal prison. In handing down the sentence, the court noted the significant quantity of cocaine Rascon imported.

Rascon will remain in custody pending transfer to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future. Immigration and Customs Enforcement's Homeland Security Investigations conducted the investigation with the assistance of Customs and Border Protection. Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew Redavid prosecuted the case.

The defendant's sentence was a direct result of the significant quantity of cocaine he attempted to import into the United States. As a former medical doctor, Rascon's actions are a stark reminder of the dangers of drug trafficking and the consequences of those who engage in it.

The case serves as a warning to those who would attempt to smuggle illicit substances into the United States. It also highlights the tireless efforts of law enforcement agencies and prosecutors who work tirelessly to bring those responsible to justice.

Source: https://www.justice.gov/usao-sdtx/pr/former-military-official-heads-prison-trafficking-cocaine