BREAKING: A Rio Grande City man, Adolfo Alvarez III, has been sentenced to 10 years in federal prison for cocaine trafficking, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office. This urgent development comes after Alvarez, aged 40, pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute, with his sentence including five years of supervised release.
The case escalated on June 28 when Border Patrol agents intercepted Alvarez’s green tractor-trailer. Initially claiming he was “hauling produce,” a secondary x-ray inspection revealed hidden irregularities that led to the shocking discovery of approximately 49.5 kilograms of cocaine concealed under the mattress in the sleeper area of the vehicle.
Alvarez was immediately arrested following the find and has been in custody since. He is currently awaiting transfer to a Federal Bureau of Prisons facility. The investigation was a collaborative effort led by the Drug Enforcement Administration and Border Patrol, with the case prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Zachary Bird.
The implications of this case are significant, highlighting ongoing issues related to drug trafficking in South Texas. Authorities are vigilant in monitoring and combating such illegal activities, and the strong sentencing serves as a warning to traffickers in the region.
As this story develops, more information may emerge regarding additional suspects or related investigations. Stay tuned for updates on this critical issue affecting the community and law enforcement efforts in the area.
