A South Texas man has been sentenced to federal prison for attempting to smuggle over 40 kilograms of cocaine into the United States. U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei announced the sentencing of 37-year-old Hector Julian Sustaita, who pled guilty in December of last year.
U.S. District Judge David Morales handed down a 48-month federal prison sentence, to be followed by three years of supervised release. Sustaita's criminal activity was uncovered on June 7, 2024, when he approached the Falfurrias Border Patrol checkpoint in a Chevrolet Silverado.
Sustaita originally claimed he was traveling to Houston for work on solar panels, but border authorities were suspicious as there were no visible luggage or tools. Further investigation, including an x-ray and a K-9 unit, identified unusual features in the vehicle's frame and the presence of drugs. A detailed search uncovered 36 bundles of cocaine, hidden in various parts of the vehicle. The cocaine, weighing over 43 kilograms, was valued at more than $3 million.
Following his sentencing, Sustaita, who had been released on bond, was detained and will be held until his transfer to a Federal Bureau of Prisons facility.
The Drug Enforcement Administration led the investigation with support from Customs and Border Protection. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Yasmine K. Tucker.