Marijuana convict may face life for cocaine trafficking

BROWNSVILLE, Texas (ValleyCentral) — A Rio Grande City man pleaded guilty to possession with intent to deliver more than 60 pounds of cocaine, according to the United States Attorney's Office.

On July 19, 48-year-old Jorge Rafael Perez drove a while Chevrolet Tahoe to the Falfurrias Border Patrol checkpoint and was referred to a secondary inspection.

An X-ray scan revealed a lead-lined wall in the passenger side of the vehicle. While searching the area, authorities found 24 vacuum-sealed bundles of cocaine hidden in the rear quarter panel, a release from the U.S. Attorney's Office stated.

Field tests confirmed that the bundles contained and weighed approximately 63.80 pounds.

Perez admitted to authorities to knowingly transporting the drugs from Edinburg and taking them to San Antonio.

An investigation revealed that Perez had been previously convicted in 2010 for possession with intent to distribute marijuana.

Due to the previous conviction, Perez faces up to life in federal prison and a fine of $20 million.

U.S. District Judge Rolando Olvera scheduled his sentencing for Jan. 8, 2026.

Perez will remain in custody pending the hearing.