A South Texas man, Salvador Noyola, has been sentenced to 15 years in prison for drug trafficking while under federal supervision. The sentence follows an investigation by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), and the Texas Department of Public Safety. The Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces led the investigation with support from local law enforcement agencies.
On February 20, Chief U.S. District Judge Randy Crane sentenced Noyola to 188 months in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release. Noyola was on supervised release when he committed the crime, resulting in an additional 18 months being added to his sentence for violating those terms. During sentencing, Judge Crane advised Noyola: “You’ve got to get out of this business… I hope that you will find another way to make money.” Noyola had pleaded guilty on May 3, 2024.
Mark Lippa, ICE Homeland Security Investigations Rio Grande Valley Deputy Special Agent in Charge, commented on the sentencing: “Today's sentencing of a repeat drug trafficker to 15 years underscores the serious consequences of continuous involvement in these illegal activities. This significant penalty highlights our dedication to enforcing drug laws and maintaining public safety.” He added that they hope this sentence serves as a deterrent and emphasizes adherence to the law.
Court documents reveal that authorities arrested Noyola in December 2023 after searching his residence and seizing over a kilogram of powdered cocaine. He remains in custody awaiting transfer to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Roberto Lopez Jr., Lance Watt, and Brittany Jensen from the Southern District of Texas.
