South Texan Lands in Prison After Trying to Smuggle Cocaine Through Checkpoint

CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas – A 28-year-old Hidalgo drug smuggler has been ordered to federal prison following his conviction of possession with the intent to distribute nearly two kilograms of cocaine, announced U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Patrick. Josue Rivera pleaded guilty May 30, 2019.

Today, U.S. Senior District Judge Nelva Gonzales Ramos ordered Rivera to serve 60 months in prison to be immediately followed by four years of supervised release.

On Feb. 18, 2019, Rivera drove his vehicle into the primary inspection area of the Border Patrol (BP) checkpoint in Falfurrias. Immediately thereafter, a service K-9 alerted to the vehicle by pulling hard towards its direction.

Upon questioning, Rivera claimed to be on his way to work in the oil field. However, authorities noticed he actually did not have any work equipment with him.

They searched the vehicle and discovered 1.95 kilograms of cocaine wrapped in two bundles hidden inside the door of the vehicle. They immediately arrested him.  

The estimated street value of the drugs was $179,200.

Rivera has been on bond and was ordered to surrender himself  to the U.S. Marshal Service on a date to be determined in the near future  for transfer to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility.

The Drug Enforcement Administration conducted the investigation with the assistance of BP. Assistant U.S. Attorney Joel Dunn is prosecuting the case.