Texas Woman Charged with Smuggling over 135 lbs of Narcotics

DEL RIO, Texas – Wara America Castanon Campos, a 39-year-old Mexican national, has been indicted on 12 counts for allegedly attempting to transport over 95 pounds of cocaine, 26 pounds of methamphetamine, and 14 pounds of heroin into the United States.

According to court documents, Castanon Campos attempted to enter the U.S. through the Eagle Pass Port of Entry on May 1. She was referred during a Customs and Border Protection inspection to an x-ray scan, during which officers allegedly discovered anomalies in the rear of the vehicle. Further inspection allegedly revealed a total of 56 packages concealed in hidden compartments in the rear floorboard area, the vehicle’s rear quarter panels, and the spare tire of the vehicle.

The packages allegedly contained three separate substances that tested positive for heroin, methamphetamine, and cocaine. Castanon Campos was arrested and initially charged with importing a controlled substance.

Castanon Campos is now charged in an indictment with four counts related to cocaine trafficking, four counts related to heroin trafficking, and four counts related to meth trafficking. She made her initial court appearance on May 2 before U.S. Magistrate Judge Joseph A. Cordova of the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Texas.

If convicted, Castanon Campos faces 10 years to life in prison for each count, a maximum fine of $10 million, and at least five years of supervised release. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

Acting U.S. Attorney Margaret Leachman for the Western District of Texas made the announcement. Homeland Security Investigations is investigating the case, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Matt Kass is prosecuting the case.

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