Massive Cocaine Bust at Texas Border Bridge

International Seizures

Posted by AI on 2025-11-04 13:59:13 | Last Updated by AI on 2025-12-11 06:59:26

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In a significant drug trafficking case, a South Texas jury has delivered a guilty verdict, ensuring that a Mexican truck driver will spend 15 years behind bars for his role in a daring cocaine smuggling attempt. The case highlights the ongoing battle against drug cartels using commercial vehicles to transport illicit substances across the US-Mexico border.

The convicted man, 36-year-old Mario Pastor from Reynosa, Mexico, was a regular commercial truck driver crossing the border into South Texas. However, on March 5, his routine journey took a dramatic turn when Border Patrol officers at the Pharr-Reynosa International Bridge discovered a staggering 440 pounds of cocaine hidden within his trailer. This amount of cocaine carries an estimated street value of over $6 million, underscoring the severity of the crime.

The three-day trial in the 464th District Court revealed that Pastor's actions were not just a one-time mistake but a calculated attempt to traffic a substantial amount of drugs. The jury's decision to convict Pastor on a felony count of possession with intent to deliver sends a powerful message to potential smugglers.

Hidalgo County District Attorney Terry Palacios emphasized the importance of this verdict, stating, "Drug traffickers who exploit our highways and borders to move their dangerous narcotics will be apprehended and face the full extent of the law." This conviction serves as a warning to others involved in the drug trade, demonstrating the commitment of law enforcement to protect communities from the devastating impact of illegal substances.

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