Local man pleads guilty to trafficking over six kilograms of cocaine

LAREDO, Texas – A 44-year-old man from Laredo has admitted to conspiring to possess with intent to distribute cocaine, announced U.S. Attorney Jennifer B. Lowery.

Erasmo Medina-Villanueva pleaded guilty to trafficking 6.8 kilograms of cocaine.

As part of his plea, Medina-Villanueva admitted to attempting to drive through the Lincoln Juarez Port of Entry in Laredo on April 7.

At that time, he told authorities he was visiting his mother in Mexico. However, an X-ray scan revealed anomalies near the center console of his vehicle. Upon further inspection, law enforcement discovered several bundles containing cocaine.

The drugs had an estimated street value of $170,000.

U.S. District Judge Marina Garcia Marmolejo will impose sentencing at a later date. At that time, Medina-Villanueva faces up to life in prison and a possible $10 million maximum fine.

Homeland Security Investigations conducted the investigation with the assistance of the Drug Enforcement Administration. Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew Isaac is prosecuting the case.