A truck driver from Orange, Texas, has been sentenced to federal prison for possession with intent to distribute more than 23 kilograms of cocaine. The announcement was made by U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei.
Pablo Garcia Ortiz, 50, pleaded guilty on April 2. He received a sentence of 36 months in federal prison followed by five years of supervised release. During the sentencing hearing on September 11, additional evidence was presented showing Ortiz’s efforts to hide the cocaine. U.S. District Judge David S. Morales commented on the broader impact of illegal drugs in society and said that Ortiz bore some responsibility for those harms through his actions.
The incident occurred on November 1, 2024, when Ortiz drove a Freightliner tractor to the Sarita Border Patrol checkpoint. After a K-9 alerted officers, he was referred for secondary inspection.
Ortiz delayed leaving his vehicle and poured urine inside the cab in an attempt to mask the scent of narcotics. He also accused law enforcement officers of planting evidence.
Authorities found 22 bundles weighing about 24 kilograms hidden in a blue toolbox under the bed of the truck. The packages were wrapped in a trash bag and cardboard box and tested positive for cocaine. Officers also discovered chili powder—an item often used to disguise drug odors.
A search of Ortiz’s phone revealed evidence connected to another cocaine smuggling event from September 2024.
Ortiz has been allowed to remain free on bond until he voluntarily surrenders at a Federal Bureau of Prisons facility yet to be determined.
The Drug Enforcement Administration led the investigation with help from Border Patrol agents. Assistant U.S. Attorney Izaak Bruce prosecuted the case.
