Laredoan pleads guilty to role in drug trafficking scheme

LAREDO, Texas – A 24-year-old Laredo resident has admitted he conspired to possess with intent to distribute a large quantity of marijuana, announced U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Patrick.

On July 18, authorities observed six individuals carrying bundles near the Rio Grande River in Laredo. They quickly responded to that area and witnessed a pickup truck driving towards the river.

Jose Gonzalo Ojeda was the driver and fled on foot as law enforcement approached the vehicle. Authorities soon apprehended him and recovered 480 pounds of marijuana from his truck.

The drugs have an estimated street value of more than $380,000.

Ojeda has been and will remain in custody pending sentencing, which will be set at a later date before U.S. District Judge Diana Saldana. At that time, he faces a minimum of five and up to 40 years in prison as well as a possible $5 million fine.

The Drug Enforcement Administration conducted the investigation with assistance from Border Patrol. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jennifer Day is prosecuting the case.