CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas \u2014 A Rio Grande City man will spend the next decade in federal prison after pleading guilty to possession with intent to distribute cocaine.<\/p>\n
Adolfo Alvarez III, 40, was sentenced to 120 months in federal prison followed by five years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei announced. Alvarez pleaded guilty Aug. 28.<\/p>\n
The case began June 28 when law enforcement received information about a green tractor-trailer possibly involved in narcotics trafficking. Later that day, Alvarez approached the Border Patrol checkpoint near Falfurrias driving a vehicle matching that description.<\/p>\n
When questioned by agents, Alvarez said he was “hauling produce.”<\/p>\n
During secondary inspection, an x-ray revealed irregularities in the vehicle. Law enforcement searched the tractor-trailer and discovered approximately 40 bundles of cocaine weighing 49.5 kilograms. The packages were wrapped in black tape and hidden beneath the bottom mattress in the sleeper area.<\/p>\n
Alvarez will remain in custody pending transfer to a Federal Bureau of Prisons facility.<\/p>\n
The Drug Enforcement Administration conducted the investigation along with Border Patrol. Assistant U.S. Attorney Zachary Bird prosecuted the case.<\/p>\n
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