United States Drug Enforcement Administration

BROWNSVILLE, Texas - Luis Alberto Hernandez-Garcia, an undocumented alien from Nuevo Progreso, Tamaulipas, Mexico, has been ordered to federal prison following his convictions related to a large drug trafficking conspiracy, Drug Enforcement (DEA) Special Agent in Charge Javier Peña and United States Attorney Kenneth Magidson announced today. Hernandez-Garcia, 33, pleaded guilty to possessing with intent to distribute approximately 212 kilograms of cocaine and approximately 519 kilograms of marijuana on Nov. 29, 2012.

Today, U.S. District Judge Andrew S. Hanen sentenced Hernandez-Garcia to 140 months in federal prison. At the hearing, additional evidence was presented indicating that Hernandez-Garcia was responsible for recruiting and directing other co-conspirators in relation to transporting drugs destined to Atlanta, Ga. The sentence reflects a sentencing enhancement for his role as a recruiter within the conspiracy.

The case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, Homeland Security Investigations and the San Benito Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Angel Castro prosecuted the case.