Garciasville Resident Sentenced for Trafficking Cocaine

BROWNSVILLE, Texas – A 33-year-old Garciasville resident has been ordered to federal prison for cocaine trafficking, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Patrick. Jorge Barrera pleaded guilty Nov. 16, 2017.

Today, U.S. District Judge Rolando Olvera sentenced Barrera to a total of 48 months imprisonment to be immediately followed by two years of supervised release.

On Aug. 16, 2017, authorities began an investigation after a Chevrolet Impala was discovered at the Veterans port of entry in Brownsville that contained more than seven kilograms of cocaine. Authorities conducted a controlled delivery of the vehicle at the La Plaza Mall in McAllen. Surveillance agents were on hand in the parking lot and observed Barrera arrive and park next to the cocaine-loaded vehicle. Soon after his arrival, Barrera got in the Impala and attempted to drive away. However, federal agents surrounded him and took him into custody.

Authorities found more than seven kilograms of cocaine concealed in the vehicle’s dashboard.

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

Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Elena Salinas prosecuted the case.