McALLEN, Texas - A 47-year-old Mexican national has been ordered to federal prison following his conviction of importing cocaine into the United States, announced U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Patrick.
Victor Manuel Valencia Rascon served in the Mexican military as a medical doctor for 23 years. He pleaded guilty June 3, 2019.
Today, U.S. District Judge Ricardo H. Hinojosa ordered Rascon to serve a total of 37 months in federal prison. In handing down the sentence, the court noted the significant quantity of cocaine Rascon imported.
On March 3, 2019, Rascon attempted to enter the United States at the Hidalgo Port of Entry. During inspection, law enforcement discovered a suitcase in his trunk with 25 brick-shaped packages weighing 27.54 kilograms.
Authorities tested the contents and confirmed it to be cocaine.
Rascon admitted he was aware he was importing cocaine and that he expected to be paid $2,000 per kilogram successfully imported into the United States.
Rascon will remain in custody pending transfer to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future.
Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations conducted the investigation with the assistance of Customs and Border Protection. Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew Redavid prosecuted the case.
Source: U.S. Department of Justice, Office of the United States Attorneys
