2 plead guity to $2M drug deal

MCALLEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — A former resident of Donna has pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute cocaine, U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei stated.

Carlos Chacon, 25, admitted to providing narcotics to a Mexican citizen, Sergio Ivan Beas Rivera, 42, in May 2024.

According to the Department of Justice (DOJ), authorities conducted a traffic stop after witnessing the transaction.

Officers discovered 31 bundles, weighing approximately 34 kilograms, that tested positive for cocaine in Beas Rivera's vehicle. The drugs have an estimated street value of about $2 million.

Beas Rivea remains in custody after previously pleading guilty and admitting he knew about having narcotics with the intention to distribute them. He is set for sentencing on Aug. 13 before U.S District Judge Drew Tipton.

Chacon faces up to life in federal prison and a possible $10 million maximum fine. Sentencing will be imposed on Sept. 16 by Chief U.S District Judge Randy Crane.

He was permitted to remain on bond while pending the hearing, according to the release.