Nicholas J. Ganjei United States Attorney for the Southern District of Texas | U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Texas
A federal grand jury has charged a 36-year-old Mexican national from Guadalupe, Nuevo Leon, Mexico, with trafficking substantial quantities of cocaine and heroin into the United States. Albing Pablo Rivera-Leal faces a four-count indictment for allegedly trafficking more than 12 kilograms of cocaine and nearly five kilograms of heroin. He has been in custody following his arrest based on a criminal complaint related to these charges. A U.S. Attorney, Nicholas J. Ganjei, announced the indictment.
The charges stem from an incident on April 5, when authorities stopped Rivera-Leal on I-35 north in Laredo for a traffic violation. During a search, officers allegedly discovered tampered areas under the rear seats of Rivera-Leal's vehicle. A K-9 unit subsequently detected controlled substances, leading to the alleged discovery of concealed packages containing approximately 12 kilograms of cocaine and 4.5 kilograms of heroin in a hidden compartment in the vehicle's cabin.
If convicted, Rivera-Leal could face a life sentence and a $5 million fine. The Texas Department of Public Safety, with assistance from the Drug Enforcement Administration, investigated the case. Prosecuting the case is Assistant U.S. Attorney Bryan L. Oliver.
It’s important to note that an indictment is only a formal accusation and not proof of guilt. Rivera-Leal is presumed innocent until proven guilty through a court process. He will appear for arraignment before a U.S. magistrate judge at a future date.
