A Mexican national has been sentenced to 110 months in prison for cocaine trafficking and illegal reentry into the United States. Anastacio Santiago Chaparro, also known as Arnoldo Urquidez, received his sentence at the U.S. District Court of New Jersey in Camden.
In February, Santiago Chaparro admitted guilt to charges related to cocaine trafficking and illegal reentry by a convicted felon. "Santiago Chaparro is a criminal alien who has ties to a dangerous drug trafficking organization based out of Sinaloa, Mexico, and has disregarded our nation’s immigration law by repeatedly crossing the border illegally," stated ICE HSI Newark Special Agent in Charge Ricky J. Patel.
Patel emphasized the collaborative efforts that led to this sentencing: "This sentence highlights our whole-of-government approach to dismantle the flow of illicit drugs into America and hold criminals accountable for their role in poisoning our communities. We commend our partners in the DEA and Customs and Border Protection who supported HSI’s investigation that led to Santiago’s sentencing along with the U.S. Attorney’s Office in the District of New Jersey."
The investigation revealed that on November 6, 2023, ICE HSI Newark arrested Santiago Chaparro while he was transporting over 10 kilograms of cocaine intended for distribution. It was noted that he had been deported from the United States three times before and had a previous conviction for being an illegal alien in possession of a firearm.
In addition to his prison term, Santiago Chaparro will face three years of supervised release per charge and must cooperate with ICE regarding deportation proceedings.
