A Mexican national residing illegally in the United States has been sentenced to federal prison for drug trafficking, according to an announcement by U.S. Attorney Nicholas Ganjei. Miguel Angel Reyes-Sanchez, aged 40, pleaded guilty on August 2, 2024, and was sentenced to 57 months in prison by Chief U.S. District Judge Randy Crane.
Reyes-Sanchez is expected to face deportation proceedings following his incarceration. During the sentencing hearing, evidence presented outlined his involvement in a drug trafficking organization and participation in multiple transactions.
The investigation found that on April 2, 2024, Reyes-Sanchez placed a white cardboard box into a silver Buick driven by Cesar Gonzales. A subsequent traffic stop led authorities to discover 3.5 kilograms of cocaine inside the vehicle. Gonzales attempted to escape but was captured by law enforcement.
In another incident a month later, Reyes-Sanchez was observed engaging in a drug transaction that uncovered an additional 49.2 kilograms of cocaine. He confessed to knowingly transporting drugs on that date and supplying cocaine to Gonzales.
The total estimated street value of the drugs seized from both incidents is approximately $1.2 million.
Reyes-Sanchez will remain detained until he is transferred to a Federal Bureau of Prisons facility yet to be determined.
Cesar Gonzales, aged 24 from McAllen, also pleaded guilty and had previously received a sentence of 24 months in federal prison.
The Drug Enforcement Administration conducted the investigation with support from the Texas Department of Public Safety. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jose A. Garcia handled the prosecution of this case.
