Mexican citizen sent to federal prison for importing $1.4M worth of cocaine

McALLEN, Texas - A 24-year-old foreign national with a B1/B2 visa has been sentenced for possession with intent to distribute cocaine, announced Acting U.S. Attorney John G.E. Marck.

Roberto Ferral-Sanchez pleaded guilty Nov. 25, 2025.

U.S. District Judge Drew B. Tipton has now ordered Ferral-Sanchez to serve 48 months in federal prison. Not a U.S. citizen, he is expected to face removal proceedings following his imprisonment. At the hearing, the court heard that Ferral-Sanchez was not a lower-level participant in the organization given the amount of narcotics involved. In handing down the sentence, the court noted bringing narcotics across an international border is a critical and risky drug trafficking function.

On Sept. 14, 2025, Ferral-Sanchez approached primary lane at the Hidalgo Port of Entry. Authorities referred him to for further inspection where an X-ray of the Chevrolet Cruze he was driving revealed anomalies along the rocker panels on both sides of the vehicle.

Law enforcement removed the back paneling and discovered two hidden aftermarket compartments containing approximately 16 sealed and marked bundles.

The packages tested positive for cocaine and weighed approximately 18.7 kilograms and have an estimated street value of approximately $1.4 million.

Ferral-Sanchez will remain in custody pending transfer to a Federal Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future.

Immigration and customs Enforcement - Homeland Security Investigations conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jose A. Garcia prosecuted the case.