27-year-old Marisol Valdez of Eagle Pass, Texas will spend 12 years in prison for attempting to smuggle 25.72 kilograms of heroin into the U.S. from Mexico, according to a criminal complaint obtained by Breitbart Texas. Valdez was also sentenced to five years of subsequent supervised release and a $3,000 fine.
Court records indicate that Valdez was arrested on Feb. 8, 2013 after attempting to drive a 2008 Nissan through the Eagle Pass Port of Entry. Border Patrol agents conducted an inspection of the vehicle and discovered 42 packages full of heroin–hidden in the Nissan’s rocker panels, rear tire well, and hatch area compartments, according to testimony.
A March 2013 indictment states that Valdez is a United States citizen. She pled guilty to conspiracy to import heroin on July 10, 2013.
Special Agent in Charge Janice Ayala, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) San Antonio, said in a press release, “Some people may mistakenly see quick and easy profits with smuggling and trafficking narcotics. However, this sentencing demonstrates the serious consequences that await those who engage in this criminal activity. HSI will continue to work closely with our law enforcement partners to bring narcotics traffickers to justice.”
The investigation into Valdez’s case was conducted by the HSI, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, and the Drug Enforcement Administration, according to the release.
Valdez Complaint by BreitbartTexas
Valdez Indictment by BreitbartTexas
Follow Kristin Tate on Twitter @KristinBTate
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