Laredo man sentenced to more than 11 years in federal prison for role in cocaine trafficking conspiracy
Laredo, Texas – A federal judge has sentenced a man living in Laredo to more than 11 years in prison after authorities said he helped coordinate the movement of more than $1 million worth of cocaine across the United States while illegally residing in the country following a previous removal.
Federal prosecutors announced that 52-year-old Luis Manuel Castillo Garcia, described by authorities as an illegal alien from Mexico, received his sentence after pleading guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine as well as illegally reentering the United States after deportation.
According to Acting U.S. Attorney John G.E. Marck, Garcia admitted in November 2025 that he worked with others to organize and transport cocaine shipments from Laredo to destinations throughout the country.
Diana Saldana sentenced Garcia to 135 months in federal prison on the cocaine conspiracy charge. He also received a separate 120-month sentence tied to illegally returning to the United States after removal. Officials said Garcia is expected to face removal proceedings again after completing his prison term because he is not a U.S. citizen.
Authorities Describe Large Cocaine Trafficking Operation
During sentencing proceedings, prosecutors presented evidence regarding Garcia’s criminal history, which included previous convictions involving drug possession and illegal reentry into the country.
The court also heard evidence alleging Garcia played a significant role in coordinating cocaine shipments from Mexico while helping move large amounts of narcotics over a lengthy period.
Investigators said that in March 2025 Garcia recruited tractor-trailer drivers, including 31-year-old Luis Alonzo Pena Jr. of Laredo, to transport cocaine hidden inside trailers stored at a local yard.
Authorities said Garcia arranged for two separate trailers equipped with concealed compartments to transport cocaine out of Laredo. Prosecutors stated he paid $9,000 for each trailer movement.
Law enforcement officers intercepted the vehicles on March 4 and March 5, 2025, discovering approximately 50 kilograms of cocaine hidden inside.
Roughly two months later, investigators observed Garcia meeting Pena again at another location in Laredo. According to authorities, Pena arrived driving a red Chevrolet Silverado and accepted a duffle bag filled with cocaine intended for transport.
A later traffic stop led officers to recover the bag, which contained 15 bundles of cocaine weighing approximately 18.5 kilograms.
Federal officials estimated that the more than 65 kilograms of cocaine connected to the investigation carried a street value exceeding $1 million.
Pena had already been sentenced in the case. Prosecutors said he previously received a 56-month federal prison sentence followed by three years of supervised release.
Both Garcia and Pena remain in custody while awaiting transfer to facilities operated by the Federal Bureau of Prisons.
The investigation was led by the Drug Enforcement Administration with assistance from the Texas Department of Public Safety, Laredo Police Department, United States Border Patrol, and Immigration and Customs Enforcement Enforcement and Removal Operations.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Mary Lou Castillo prosecuted the case.
