Woman admits to $12M drug trafficking conspiracy

LAREDO, Texas – A 46-year-old out-of-state woman has pleaded guilty to her role in a conspiracy to import over 3,700 kilograms of marijuana, announced U.S. Attorney Jennifer B. Lowery.

Patricia Pinto, Crete, Illinois, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to importing and conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute 1,000 kilograms or more of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of marijuana.

The investigation began Dec. 8, 2020, after a truck driver hauling 18 pallets of carpet on a commercial tractor entered the United States through the World Trade Bridge in Laredo. Law enforcement conducted an X-ray inspection and discovered a total of 3208.8 kilograms of marijuana.

Authorities identified Pinto as the creator of the driver’s entry documents and linked them to Associated Distributions, a company located in Houston.

On July 20, 2021, law enforcement seized two cell phones from Pinto after she entered the United States from Mexico. A search of the phones revealed Whatsapp messages describing her role in forming the company as well as other incriminating discussions with co-conspirators.

Further analysis of the phones connected Pinto to another incident that occurred Dec. 20, 2019, involving the seizure of 537.2 kilograms of marijuana in Falfurrias.

The total amount of drugs involved in the case is estimated to be $12.2 million.

U.S. District Judge Diana Saldana will impose sentencing at a later date to be determined after the completion of a presentencing investigation. At that time, Pinto faces up to life in prison.

She was permitted to remain on bond pending that hearing.

Homeland Security Investigations conducted the investigation with the assistance of Customs and Border Protection. Assistant U.S. Attorney Gerard A. Cantu is prosecuting the case.