NEW YORK: A US Customs and Border Protection officer accused of helping a drug smuggler cross 3,000 pounds of marijuana into the United States pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Andrew S. Hanen in Brownsville.
A 38 years old Jose Luis Zavala of Brownsville , was arrested Dec. 12 and charged with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute more than 1,000 kilograms of marijuana and bribery of a public official. He had been ordered to remain jailed without bond.
Court records show that on Nov. 22 agents at White Sands High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Task Force were notified that a pedestrian linked to the smuggling attempt was at the Brownsville & Matamoros Port of Entry, attempting to enter the United States. The pedestrian reportedly told agents that he and others had been paid $360 to provide their passport card to a drug cartel in Mexico to be used by drivers of marijuana-loaded vehicles to gain entry into the United States.
According to authorities, the unidentified man told investigators they had met with a U.S. immigration officer who went by the name of “ Pepe “ in Mexico . The confidential source gave a physical description of Zavala, according to authorities.
Zavala currently remains in the custody of U.S. Marshal’s. His sentencing is set for June 8.
