Edinburg Man Sentenced for Attempting to Smuggle $3 million in Cocaine
CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas – A 37-year-old South Texan has been ordered to federal prison for illegally smuggling 43 kilograms of cocaine into the United States, announced Acting Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Special Agent in Charge William Kimbell of the Houston Division and U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei.
Hector Julian Sustaita pleaded guilty Dec. 12, 2024.
U.S. District Judge David Morales has now ordered him to serve 48 months in federal prison to be immediately followed by three years of supervised release.
On June 7, 2024, Sustaita approached the Falfurrias Border Patrol checkpoint in a Chevrolet Silverado. He claimed he was heading to Houston to work on solar panels. However, authorities did not observe any luggage or tools in the vehicle.
An x-ray scan then revealed anomalies in the areas of the vehicle’s frame. A K-9 also alerted to odor of drugs. A subsequent search resulted in the seizure of 36 bundles of cocaine wrapped in cellophane and tape. Five were located inside the dashboard, another five were inside the rear door and 26 inside a hidden compartment near the truck bed.
The cocaine had a gross weight of 43.04 kilograms with an estimated street value of over $3 million.
Previously released on bond, Sustaita was taken into custody following the sentencing where he will remain pending transfer to a Federal Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future.
The Drug Enforcement Administration conducted the investigation with the assistance of Customs and Border Protection. Assistant U.S. Attorney Yasmine K. Tucker prosecuted the case.
