Mexican man admits to smuggling tons of marijuana

LAREDO, Texas – A 34-year-old citizen of Mexico has pleaded guilty to importing a large quantity of marijuana into the United States, announced U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Patrick.

On Nov. 30, 2019, Juan Antonio Hernandez-Zapata attempted to enter into the United States in a commercial tractor trailer at the World Trade Bridge in Laredo. There, a K-9 alerted to the possible presence of narcotics. Following a subsequent x-ray examination, authorities located 214 bundles in his trailer which tested positive for marijuana.

The drugs weighed approximately 5,360 pounds (approximately 2.5 tons) and have a street value of over $1 million.

Sentencing will be set before U.S. District Judge Diana Saldana at a later date. At that time, Hernandez-Zapata faces up to life in federal prison and a possible $10 million maximum fine.

Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations conducted the investigation with assistance from Customs and Border Protection. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jennifer Day is prosecuting the case.