CAMDEN, N.J. — A Mexican national pleaded guilty Tuesday to trafficking cocaine and illegally re-entering the United States after being deported multiple times, Acting U.S. Attorney Vikas Khanna announced.
Anastacio Santiago Chaparro, also known as Arnoldo Urquidez, 41, admitted to possession with intent to distribute cocaine and illegal reentry by a convicted felon before U.S. District Judge Edward S. Kiel in Camden federal court.
On Nov. 6, 2023, Santiago Chaparro was caught transporting a backpack containing more than 10 kilograms of cocaine. He admitted in court that the drugs were intended for distribution. He had previously been deported from the U.S. to Mexico three times and had a prior conviction for being an illegal alien in possession of a firearm, an aggravated felony.
The charge of possession with intent to distribute cocaine carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison and a $1 million fine, while the illegal reentry charge carries a maximum sentence of 20 years and a $250,000 fine.