Mexican city council woman admits to trafficking nearly a million dollars in cocaine

McALLEN, Texas – A 34-year-old Reynosa, Tamaulipas, city council woman has entered a guilty plea to possession with intent to distribute approximately 42 kilograms of cocaine, announced U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani.

On June 10, Denisse Ahumada-Martinez drove a vehicle from Reynosa, Mexico, into the United States to the Falfurrias Border Patrol checkpoint. An X-ray search of the vehicle revealed multiple anomalies believed to be narcotics concealed within the vehicle.

At secondary inspection, law enforcement conducted a search of her vehicle and found approximately 42 kilograms of cocaine. The cocaine had an estimated street value of $900,000.

U.S. District Judge Ricardo H. Hinojosa will impose sentencing Jan. 31, 2024. At that time, Ahumada-Martinez faces up to life in prison and a possible $10 million maximum fine.

She has been and will remain in custody pending that hearing.

Drug Enforcement Administration and Customs and Border Protection conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Laura Garcia and Alexa Parcell prosecuted the case.