Importing Methamphetamine And Heroin Lands 10-Year Prison Term

LAREDO, Texas - Mexican national Sergio Cobaruvias-Romero, 55, has been ordered to federal prison following his conviction of possession with the intent to distribute a mixture and substance containing methamphetamine, announced U.S. Attorney Kenneth Magidson. He pleaded guilty April 14, 2014.

Today, U.S. Senior District Judge George Kazen handed Cobaruvias-Romero a sentence of 120 months in federal prison. Not a U.S. citizen, he is expected to face deportation proceedings following his release from prison.

On or about Jan. 18, 2014, Cobaruvias-Romero entered the U.S. from Mexico via the Laredo Port of Entry Bridge #2 in Laredo driving a 2002 Ford Ranger pickup van. Upon entering the primary inspection lane, Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agents discovered anomalies within the vehicle’s tire.

Agents then conducted further examination and extracted 20 bundles of methamphetamine weighing 20.88 kilograms in addition to four bundles of heroin weighing 5.9 kilograms.                                                                

Cobaruvias-Romero admitted to trafficking these drugs from Mexico and planned to deliver them to Conroe. He further admitted to multiple prior drug trafficking, during which he would receive $3,000 on each occasion.

The charges are the result of an investigation by Homeland Security Investigations and CBP. Assistant U.S. Attorney Sanjeev Bhasker is prosecuting the case.