CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas – A 34-year-old man has pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute more than four kilograms of cocaine, announced U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani.
On Oct. 4, Elias Garcia attempted to drive a Jeep Cherokee SUV through the primary inspection lane of the Falfurrias Border Patrol (BP) checkpoint. Soon thereafter, an X-ray of the vehicle showed the presence of an anomaly inside the vehicle’s battery compartment located beneath the driver’s seat.
Authorities searched the vehicle and discovered four bundles of cocaine concealed within the battery.
The weight of the cocaine was approximately four kilograms and had an estimated street value of more than $200,000.
U.S. District Judge David S. Morales will impose sentencing Feb. 21. At that time, Garcia faces up to 40 years in federal prison and a possible $5 million maximum fine.
He has been and will remain in custody pending sentencing.
BP and the Drug Enforcement Administration conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney John Marck is prosecuting the case.