Hidalgo resident imprisoned for conspiring to import 13 kilograms of cocaine into United States

HOUSTON - A 45-year-old man has been sentenced for his role in a conspiracy to import cocaine from Mexico, announced U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani.

Jesus Andres Tijerina pleaded guilty June 4.

Chief U.S. District Judge Randy Crane has now ordered Tijerina to serve 120 months in federal prison to be immediately followed by five years of supervised release. At the hearing, the court heard additional evidence regarding Tijerina's supervisory role in the drug trafficking organization.

On Jan. 21, 2020, Tijerina's co-conspirator, Simon Salazar, arrived in a vehicle at the Anzalduas Port of Entry from Mexico. Law enforcement referred the vehicle for secondary inspection where they discovered 13 kilograms of cocaine concealed inside the vehicle and wrapped in bundles.

Upon further investigation, authorities discovered Tijerina was providing instructions for where Salazar should go in Mexico and how to deliver the narcotics once in the United States.

Salazar, 36,previously pleaded guilty and received 25 months in federal prison for his role in the conspiracy.

Tijerina will remain in custody pending transfer to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future.

Homeland Security Investigations and Customs and Border Protection conducted the investigation.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Cahal P. McColgan prosecuted the case.