LAREDO, Texas – A 28-year-old resident of San Antonio has been ordered to federal prison for importing almost 17 kilograms of cocaine into the United States, announced U.S. Attorney Jennifer B. Lowery.
Alessandra Olivares pleaded guilty Aug.18, 2021.
Today, U.S. District Judge Diana Saldana ordered her to serve a 51-month sentence to be immediately followed by five years of supervised release.
On May 20, Olivares attempted to enter the United States at the Juarez-Lincoln Bridge in Laredo. Soon after, a K-9 alerted to her sport utility vehicle. Law enforcement conducted an X-ray inspection of the vehicle and discovered anomalies. Upon further investigation, authorities discovered a compartment containing 15 bundles of cocaine weighing 16.84 kilograms.
The drugs had an estimated street value of about $400,000.
Olivares will remain in custody pending transfer to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future.
Homeland Security Investigations conducted the investigation with the assistance of Customs and Border Protection. Assistant U.S. Attorney David Fawcett prosecuted the case.