South Texas man receives 10 years for cocaine trafficking

CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas – A 40-year-old Rio Grande City man has been sentenced for possession with intent to distribute cocaine, announced U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei.

Adolfo Alvarez III pleaded guilty Aug. 28.

U.S. District Judge Nelva Gonzalez Ramos has now sentenced Alvarez to 120 months in federal prison to be immediately followed by five years of supervised release.

On June 28, law enforcement learned of a green tractor-trailer possibly involved in narcotics trafficking. Later that day, Alvarez approached the Border Patrol checkpoint near Falfurrias driving a vehicle matching that description. Upon questioning, Alvarez stated he was “hauling produce.”

At secondary inspection, an x-ray revealed irregularities. Law enforcement searched the vehicle and discovered approximately 40 bundles of cocaine weighing 49.5 kilograms. The packages, wrapped in black tape, were hidden beneath the bottom mattress in the sleeper area.

Alvarez will remain in custody pending transfer to a Federal Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future. 

The Drug Enforcement Administration conducted the investigation along with Border Patrol. Assistant U.S. Attorney Zachary Bird prosecuted the case.