A Colombian citizen has been charged with possession with the intent to distribute cocaine in Miami. According to a complaint affidavit, Giovanni Cardona Parra, 44, was observed by officers of the South Florida Crimes Strike Force driving erratically before parking at a fast-food restaurant. When approached by officers and asked for identification, Parra allegedly presented a New York State learner's permit marked "not for federal purposes." Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) agents later determined that Parra was residing illegally in the United States.
A canine unit alerted officers to the presence of a controlled substance in Parra's vehicle. During a subsequent search, over 30 kilograms of cocaine were reportedly discovered in the trunk. HSI agents arrested Parra on federal drug trafficking charges and placed an immigration detainer on him.
Parra made his initial court appearance on May 6. A bond hearing is scheduled for May 12 at 10:00 a.m. in Miami. If convicted, he faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years up to life in federal prison.
The announcement was made by U.S. Attorney Hayden P. O’Byrne for the Southern District of Florida and acting Special Agent in Charge José R. Figueroa of HSI, Miami Field Division.
HSI Miami and the South Florida Financial Crimes Strike Force are investigating the case, while Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeremy Fugate is prosecuting it.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative aimed at combating illegal immigration and dismantling cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs). The operation utilizes resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).
It is important to note that a criminal complaint is merely an accusation, and defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty.
Related court documents can be accessed on the website of the District Court for the Southern District of Florida or through their PACER system under case number 25-mj-02945.