Mexican national ordered to 4 years in prison for drug possession

McALLEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — A Mexican national, who was illegally in the United States, was ordered to federal prison for possession of narcotics with intention to distribute, the U.S. Attorney's Office announced.

On Aug. 2, 2024, Miguel Angel Reyes-Sanchez pleaded guilty to possession of narcotics with intention to distribute.

According to a news release from the U.S. Attorney's office, an investigation revealed that on April 2, 2024, Reyes-Sanchez placed a white cardboard box into a silver Buick that McAllen resident, Cesar Gonzalez was driving.

Authorities later conducted a traffic stop, where they found approximately seven pounds of cocaine inside the vehicle.

Gonzalez attempted to run away on foot, but authorities were able to apprehend him, the release added.

A month later, authorities saw Reyes-Sanchez involved in another drug transaction, which had resulted in the discovery of an additional 108 pounds of cocaine.

Authorities say Reyes-Sanchez admitted he knew he was transporting drugs on the date and that he provided drugs to Gonzalez.

The drugs seized on both dates had an estimated street value of $1.2 million.

U.S. Chief District Judge Randy Crane ordered Reyes-Sanchez to approximately four years of federal prison. Due to Reyes-Sanchez not being a U.S. citizen, he is expected to face removal proceeding following his imprisonment.

Gonzalez pleaded guilty and faces two years in federal prison.

Reyes-Sanchez is pending transfer to a Federal Bureau of Prisons Facility.