Trucker Arrested With 33 Kilograms Of Cocaine Pleads Guilty
CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas - Hugo Morales, 45, of Edinburg, Texas, was convicted of conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute cocaine, announced DEA Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Houston Division, Steven Whipple and Acting U.S. Attorney Abe Martinez.
Morales admitted to conspiring with others to distribute more than five kilograms of cocaine.
On Feb. 11, 2017, authorities conducted a roadside inspection of the tractor-trailer Morales was driving. At that time, more than 33 kilograms of cocaine was found hidden inside tarps strapped on his flatbed trailer.
As part of his plea today, Morales also agreed to the forfeiture of five vehicles including a Hummer H2, a Chevrolet Corvette, a Chevrolet Camaro and a Harley-Davidson motorcycle as well as cash and jewelry.
U.S. District Judge Nelva Gonzales Ramos accepted the plea and set sentencing for Nov. 16, 2017. At that time, Morales faces a minimum of 10 years and up to life in prison as well as a $10 million fine.
The Drug Enforcement Administration conducted the investigations with assistance of the Texas Department of Public Safety. Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert D. Thorpe Jr. is prosecuting the case.
