LAREDO, Texas – Terril Monteiz Duckett, 34, and Aaron Jenkins, 36, have pleaded guilty to conspiring to possess five kilograms or more of cocaine with the intention of distributing it, United States Attorney Kenneth Magidson announced today.

Duckett, of Philadelphia, Penn., and Jenkins of Austin, Texas, pleaded guilty today before Magistrate Judge J. Scott Hacker to the sole count of a superseding criminal indictment issued by a grand jury on Sept. 13, 2011.

Duckett and Jenkins admitted to conspiring with others to transport large quantities of cocaine from Laredo to Philadelphia, Penn., and Camden, N.J., where it would be made into crack cocaine for distribution in those cities. Jenkins brokered deals for quantities ranging from four to 10 kilograms of cocaine, while Duckett was one of the buyers who agreed to distribute the cocaine in the Northeast.

Duckett faces a mandatory minimum life sentence, while Jenkins faces a minimum of 20 years and up to life in prison. Each also faces a possible $20 million fine at their sentencing hearing at a date to be set in the near future. Both defendants remain in custody pending sentencing.

Also charged in the indictment are Andrew Alves, 30, of Austin, and Shomari Fussell, 30, of Camden, N.J. They pleaded guilty to the same offense on Dec. 12, 2011, before Judge Hacker and are awaiting sentencing.

The case was initiated as a result of an 11-month investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jim Hepburn.