News Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 15, 2004

Lubbock Man Indicted On Cocaine Distribution And Firearms Charges

United States Attorney Richard B. Roper announced that a federal grand jury in Lubbock, Texas, returned a two-count indictment today charging Jose Lizanaga Garcia, a/k/a Jose Lizarrga Garcia, with possession with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. Garcia was arrested on August 26, 2004 by Special Agents of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) who, after receiving information about a shipment of cocaine in a maroon Ford Crown Victoria, were conducting surveillance on 47th Street in Lubbock.

According to the complaint filed in the case, on the morning of August 26, 2004, DEA agents observed Garcia arrive at the 47th Street address and attempt to drive away in the maroon Ford Crown Victoria. Garcia was apprehended and a search of Garcia’s person resulted in the seizure of a loaded 9mm semi-automatic pistol. The vehicle was later searched and approximately 5 kilograms of cocaine was found in a hidden compartment located under the front area of the dash.

A search was later conducted at Garcia’s home on East County Road in Lubbock where DEA agents seized a large amount of currency, secreted in areas within the house, a .380 caliber semi-automatic pistol, along with numerous rounds of assorted caliber ammunition. A Lexus RX300 and a Ford Expedition were also seized.

An indictment is an accusation by a federal grand jury and a defendant is entitled to the presumption of innocence unless proven guilty. However, if convicted on all counts, Jose Lizanaga Garcia, age 29, faces a maximum statutory sentence of life imprisonment and a $2,250,000 fine.

U.S. Attorney Roper praised the investigative efforts of the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Lubbock County Sheriff’s Office. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jeffrey R. Haag of the Lubbock, Texas, U. S. Attorney’s Office.