Puerto Rico Man Sentenced To Federal Prison For Smuggling Over 4 Kilograms Of Cocaine
Saturday, September 7, 2024, 6:00 A.M. ET. 2 Minute Read, By Art Fletcher: Englebrook Independent News,
PHILADELPHIA, PA.- U.S. Attorney Jacqueline C. Romero reported on Thursday, September 5, 2024, that Jose Alberto Cruz-Garcia, 31, of Las Pedras, Puerto Rico, appeared in U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Philadelphia and was sentenced to two years in federal prison to be followed by three years of supervised release for attempting to smuggle a large amount of cocaine into Philadelphia.
According to documents filed with the court, Cruz-Garcia boarded a commercial flight on July 21, 2023, and departed Puerto Rico bound for Philadelphia. Hidden within his luggage, Cruz-Garcia was carrying over four kilograms of cocaine.
Upon arrival, Cruz-Garcia met with another man and codefendant, Josue Benito Ascencio-Vega, outside a motel near the airport to deliver the narcotics. At that time, both men were taken into custody and charged by federal authorities.
In May 2024, Cruz-Garcia appeared in U.S. District Court and pleaded guilty to the charge. In July 2024, his codefendant, Ascencio-Vega, was sentenced to five years in federal prison.
U.S. Attorney Romero Says
“Whether you’re coming by plane, train, or automobile, if you bring a large quantity of illegal drugs into the Eastern District of Pennsylvania, be prepared to lose more than your luggage,” said U.S. Attorney Romero. “My office will continue to work with our law enforcement partners on the community’s behalf to get dangerous drugs and criminals off the streets.”
“The sentencing of Alberto Cruz-Garcia and Josue Benito Ascencio-Vega is the culmination of excellent investigations and prosecutions by HSI and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania,” said Acting Special Agent in Charge of HSI Philadelphia Sara Bay. “Our partnership continues to provide incredible results for the citizens of Pennsylvania.”
