A Stafford man stands accused of trying to smuggle a substantial amount of methamphetamine into Texas, as reported by the U.S. Attorney's Office. Yobany Vega, 24, was indicted by a federal grand jury in Del Rio on multiple drug trafficking charges.
During a secondary inspection at the Eagle Pass Camino Real Bridge 2 on December 6, Customs and Border Protection officers unearthed a hidden non-factory compartment within Vega's vehicle. Officers discovered 41 bundles, which contained a total of 294 pounds or 133.63 kgs of methamphetamine, according to the U.S. Attorney's Office.
The charges against Vega include conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute methamphetamine, possession with intent to distribute, conspiracy to import, and importation of methamphetamine. Under U.S. law, Vega is presumed innocent until proven guilty. If convicted, he faces substantial prison time and fines: each count carries a potential sentence of 10 years to life and up to $10,000,000 in fines.
U.S. Attorney Jaime Esparza from the Western District of Texas announced the indictment, while the investigation is being conducted by Homeland Security Investigations. The prosecution of Vega's case has been entrusted to Assistant U.S. Attorney Matt Kass, the details of which were outlined by the U.S. Attorney's Office announcement.
The sentencing will ultimately rest in the hands of a federal district court judge, who will consider the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines along with other statutory factors in determining Vega's fate.
