McALLEN, Texas – A 28-year old man has pleaded guilty to importing cocaine, announced U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani.
On July 18, Victor Torres approached the Hidalgo port of entry checkpoint and told law enforcement he did not have any contraband. Authorities referred him to secondary inspection where a K-9 alerted to the battery area of the vehicle.
Law enforcement conducted an X-ray examination and discovered several anomalies which resulted in the discovery of four bricks of cocaine.
The drugs weighed approximately four kilograms with an estimated street value of approximately $40,000.
During his plea, Torres admitted he knew he was transporting drugs into United States and that individuals in Mexico recruited him.
U.S. District Judge Ricardo Hinojosa will impose sentencing Jan. 25, 2024. At that time, he faces up to 40 years in federal prison and a possible $5 million maximum fine.
Torres has been and will remain in custody pending that hearing.
Customs and Border Protection and Homeland Security Investigations conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Theodore Parran III prosecuted the case.
Sean Hocking
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