Pharr man admits to trafficking over $600K of narcotics

McALLEN, Texas – A 30-year-old Texan has pleaded guilty to smuggling heroin and meth, announced U.S. Attorney Jennifer B. Lowery.

Gerardo Jimenez admitted that on Nov. 3, 2020, he knowingly entered the Hidalgo Border Patrol (BP) Port of Entry with drugs in his car.

Upon inspection, a K-9 alerted authorities to the hood of Jimenez’s vehicle. Authorities soon discovered four kilograms of heroin and two kilograms of 100% pure meth concealed in the battery of his car.

The drugs had an estimated street value of $654,000.

U.S. District Judge Micaela Alvarez will impose sentencing Aug. 19. At that time, he faces a minimum of 10 years in federal prison and a possible $10 million maximum fine.

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

Homeland Security Investigations conducted the investigation with the assistance of Customs and Border Protection. Assistant U.S. Attorney Eliza Carmen Rodriguez is prosecuting the case.