Nicholas J. Ganjei United States Attorney for the Southern District of Texas | U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Texas
A 37-year-old man from South Texas has been sentenced to federal prison for attempting to smuggle 43 kilograms of cocaine into the United States. This was confirmed by U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei. Hector Julian Sustaita had previously pleaded guilty to the charges on December 12, 2024.
U.S. District Judge David Morales has sentenced Sustaita to 48 months in federal prison followed by three years of supervised release. The incident that led to Sustaita's arrest occurred on June 7, 2024. Sustaita was driving a Chevrolet Silverado and approached the Falfurrias Border Patrol checkpoint; he claimed he was en route to Houston for work on solar panels. Officers noted there was no luggage or equipment for that purpose visible in the vehicle.
The vehicle was subject to an x-ray scan which uncovered unusual features in the vehicle’s structure. A K-9 unit also detected the scent of narcotics. A thorough search turned up 36 packages of cocaine wrapped in cellophane and tape. The contraband was found in the dashboard, rear door, and a hidden compartment near the truck bed.
The cocaine weighed 43.04 kilograms with an estimated street value exceeding $3 million. Initially released on bond, Sustaita was detained again following his sentencing and will remain in custody until he is transferred to a facility under the Federal Bureau of Prisons.
The investigation was conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration with assistance from Customs and Border Protection. The case's prosecution was handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Yasmine K. Tucker.
