Drug Smuggler Gets Nearly 10 Years in Prison

LAREDO, Texas – A 35-year-old San Antonio man has been ordered to federal prison following his conviction of conspiracy and possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Abe Martinez. Carlos Pena pleaded guilty May 1, 2017.

Today, U.S. District Judge Diana Saldaña sentenced Pena to serve 110 months in federal prison to be immediately followed by three years of supervised release.

On Feb. 13, 2017, Pena took part in a conspiracy to smuggle 2.6 kilograms of methamphetamine through the U.S. Border Patrol checkpoint located 29 miles north of Laredo on International Highway 35. He was driving a grey Pontiac G6. In an aftermarket compartment in the vehicle’s frame near the gas tank, authorities discovered five packages wrapped in brown tape containing 2.6 kilograms of methamphetamine.

Pena has been and will remain in custody pending transfer to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future.

The Border Patrol and the Drug Enforcement Administration conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jorge Vela and José Angel Flores Jr. prosecuted the case.