A Houston resident has pled guilty to charges related to a cocaine distribution conspiracy, according to Acting U.S. Attorney Michael M. Simpson. Anacleto Silva-Herrera, 38, admitted guilt on February 26, 2025, before United States District Judge Jane Triche Milazzo. The charges include conspiracy to distribute and possession with intent to distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine, as outlined in Title 21 of the United States Code.
Court documents reveal that Silva-Herrera and his co-conspirators were involved in distributing multi-kilogram quantities of cocaine within the Eastern District of Louisiana. Silva-Herrera transported kilogram quantities of cocaine and proceeds from narcotics sales for a Mexico-based supplier.
Silva-Herrera faces significant penalties for these offenses, including a minimum sentence of ten years up to life imprisonment, a fine up to $10 million, at least five years of supervised release, and a mandatory special assessment fee.
This case is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigation aimed at dismantling high-level drug traffickers and transnational criminal organizations through coordinated efforts among federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies.
The investigation falls under Operation Take Back America—a nationwide initiative by the Department of Justice focusing on combating illegal immigration and eliminating cartels and transnational criminal organizations.
The Drug Enforcement Administration's New Orleans Field Division Office led this investigation with assistance from several agencies including the Federal Bureau of Investigation and various local police departments. Assistant United States Attorney Lynn E. Schiffman is prosecuting the case.
