Illegal alien sentenced for trafficking over $1 million in cocaine

McALLEN, Texas – A 40-year-old Mexican national illegally in the United States has been ordered to prison for possessing narcotics with the intent to distribute, announced U.S. Attorney Nicholas Ganjei.

Miguel Angel Reyes-Sanchez pleaded guilty Aug. 2, 2024.

Chief U.S. District Judge Randy Crane has now ordered him to serve 57 months in federal prison. Not a U.S. citizen, he is expected to face removal proceedings following his imprisonment. At the hearing, the court heard additional evidence that described Reyes-Sanchez’s role in the drug trafficking organization and that he was involved in multiple transactions.

The investigation revealed that on April 2, 2024, Reyes-Sanchez placed a white cardboard box into a silver Buick that Cesar Gonzales was driving. Authorities conducted a traffic stop which lead to the discovery of 3.5 kilograms of cocaine inside the vehicle. Gonzales attempted to flee on foot, but law enforcement was able to apprehend him.

A month later, law enforcement observed Reyes-Sanchez in another drug transaction which resulted in the discovery of an additional 49.2 kilograms of cocaine.

He admitted he knew he was transporting the drugs on that date and to providing the cocaine to Gonzales.

The drugs from both instances had an estimated street value of $1.2 million.

Reyes-Sanchez will remain in custody pending transfer to a Federal Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future.

Gonzales, 24, McAllen, had also pleaded guilty and was previously sentenced to 24 months in federal prison.

The Drug Enforcement Administration conducted the investigation with the assistance of Texas Department of Public Safety. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jose A. Garcia prosecuted the case.