July 20, 2007

ICE agents seize more than 2,200 pounds of cocaine
Arrests and seizure conducted within 24 hours

MCALLEN, Texas - An Edinburg man appeared in federal court this morning to face charges of possession with intent to distribute and conspiracy with intent to distribute cocaine.

Martin Garcia, 46, was arrested yesterday at his home by agents from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). He is the second suspect arrested and charged with what ICE considers the largest cocaine seizure this year.

ICE and the Hidalgo County District Attorney's High Intensity Drug Task Force (HIDTA) seized 2,208 pounds of cocaine within a 24-hour period. In addition to Garcia's arrest, Robert Davila, a San Carlos resident, 56, was arrested on Wednesday. Davila was also charged with possession with intent to distribute and conspiracy with intent to distribute cocaine.

On Wednesday night, ICE and HIDTA conducted surveillance on a tractor trailer leaving a location in Monte Cristo, an area outside of Edinburg. That evening, agents and officers coordinated with the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) to initiate a traffic stop. During the traffic stop, agents arrived at the scene and detained Robert Davila, the driver of the trailer. Davila was arrested shortly after authorities were able to confirm that cocaine was concealed inside the trailer. ICE worked with U.S. Customs and Border Protection at the Pharr Port of Entry to inspect the trailer. A total of 888 pounds was discovered inside the rig.

On Thursday, ICE and HIDTA seized yet another cocaine load, this one totaling 1,317 pounds. Agents and deputies received information and responded to a residential location on Tower Road and Highway 107 outside of Edinburg. The trailer was parked in front of the home and this is where authorities discovered large amounts of cocaine bundles inside the trailer. Agents arrested Martin Garcia, 46, an Edinburg native.

"The ton of cocaine ICE discovered in two Texas operations this week constitutes the largest drug seizure by ICE this year, but more importantly, it prevents an estimated $100 million worth of cocaine from entering our communities," said Julie L. Myers, Assistant Secretary for Homeland Security, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. "Clearly, traffickers underestimated the excellent working relationships we have with our local law enforcement partners. We will continue to investigate this crime and follow the evidence to the source."

"This is a significant seizure of cocaine for our area, and another example of what successful cooperation can produce when local, state and federal agencies combine enforcement and investigative efforts," said HIDTA Commander Dora Munoz.

This is an ongoing ICE investigation. The U.S. Attorney's office in the Southern District of Texas is prosecuting both cases. A criminal complaint is a formal accusation of criminal conduct, not evidence. The defendants are presumed innocent unless and until convicted through due process of law.

-- ICE --

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) was established in March 2003 as the largest investigative arm of the Department of Homeland Security. ICE is comprised of five integrated divisions that form a 21st century law enforcement agency with broad responsibilities for a number of key homeland security priorities.

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