United States Drug Enforcement Administration

EAST ST. LOUIS, Ill. - The Drug Enforcement (DEA) and federal prosecutors today announced that Horacio Hernandez-Saenz, 46, a Mexican citizen most recently residing in El Paso, Texas, pled guilty on September 6, 2012, to Possession with the Intent to Distribute Five Kilograms or More of Cocaine. Hernandez-Saenz was indicted by a federal grand jury on June 20, 2012.

Hernandez-Saenz faces a minimum sentence of ten years to a maximum of life in prison, a fine of up to $10 million, and at least five years of supervised release. He is scheduled to be sentenced on December 14, 2012.

Hernandez-Saenz also agreed to the entry of a Judicial Order of Removal, which will require him to be deported to Mexico following his release from prison.

According to the Stipulation of Facts, Hernandez-Saenz was arrested by the Illinois State Police following a traffic stop on April 29, 2012. A consensual search of his vehicle resulted in approximately five kilograms of cocaine being located within a natural void in the dash area of the vehicle. The cocaine was being transported from Mexico to Indiana for distribution there when the vehicle was stopped by law enforcement.

Evidence in support of the Indictment was obtained in an investigation by the Illinois State Police and the Drug Enforcement Administration. This case has been assigned to Assistant United States Attorney Randy G. Massey for prosecution.