News Release [printer-friendly version]
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 13, 2009
For Information Contact,
Special Agent Ramona Sanchez
Public Information Officer
(602) 664-5725

Mexican Citizen Sentenced to Prison for Importing 19 Kilos of Cocaine in
the Roof of His Vehicle

JAN 13 --PHOENIX - Samuel Esquer-Dominguez, 44, of Mexico, was sentenced here yesterday by U.S. District Judge Neil V. Wake to 51 months in federal prison. On October 27, 2008, Esquer-Dominguez pleaded guilty to a violation of Importation of a Controlled Substance (5kg. or more of cocaine).

On July 31, 2008, Esquer-Dominguez was the driver of a vehicle that approached and stopped at the U.S. Highway 95 checkpoint near Yuma, Ariz. While speaking with Esquer-Dominguez at the checkpoint, a Border Patrol Agent noticed the interior roof of his vehicle to be abnormally low. When the vehicle was searched, a false compartment was found in the roof which contained 17 wrapped bundles weighing a total of approximately 19.3 kilograms of cocaine.

The investigation preceding the indictment was conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration. The prosecution was handled by Howard D. Sukenic Assistant U.S. Attorney, District of Arizona, Phoenix.

# # #