The situation quickly turned into a high-speed chase after Robstown resident Michael Casas, 50, initially pulled over but sped away as officers approached. Authorities said he drove more than 100 mph on Highway 44 in Corpus Christi and threw a package out of his vehicle.
The DEA said Casas planned to sell 2 kilograms of cocaine March 17. After Casas stopped and surrendered, law enforcement recovered the package he had thrown, which contained the cocaine.
Casas pleaded guilty May 27. His prison term will be followed by four years of supervised release.
The DEA investigated the case with help from the Corpus Christi Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Joseph Griffith prosecuted the case.
Casas was allowed to remain free on bond and will report to a federal prison facility at a later date.