Luis Manuel Castillo Garcia, 52, who investigators said was living in the U.S. illegally, pleaded guilty to two charges.
LAREDO, Texas — A man has been sentenced to federal prison after authorities said he helped organize and transport more than $1 million worth of cocaine across the United States. Some of the cocaine that investigators found was hidden in the wheel caps of 18-wheelers.
According to the Drug Enforcement Administration, 52-year-old Luis Manuel Castillo Garcia, a Mexican national who investigators say was living in the country illegally, pleaded guilty in November 2025 to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine and to illegally reentering the United States after removal.
U.S. District Judge Diana Saldana sentenced Garcia to 135 months in federal prison on the cocaine conspiracy charge and 120 months for illegally reentering the country. The sentences will run concurrently. After serving his prison term, Garcia is expected to again face removal proceedings.
At sentencing, prosecutors presented evidence showing Garcia coordinated cocaine shipments from Mexico and helped transport large quantities of the drug over an extended period. The court also heard evidence about Garcia’s prior convictions involving drug possession and illegal reentry after being deported.
Investigators said Garcia recruited tractor-trailer drivers in March 2025, including 31-year-old Luis Alonzo Pena Jr. of Laredo, to transport cocaine stored at a local yard.
Authorities said Garcia arranged for two trailers containing hidden compartments filled with cocaine to leave Laredo. He allegedly paid $9,000 for each trailer shipment. Law enforcement seized the vehicles on March 4 and 5, 2025, and discovered 50 kilograms of cocaine hidden inside wheel caps and other concealed compartments.
About two months later, investigators saw Garcia meeting Pena in Laredo. According to authorities, Pena arrived in a red Chevrolet Silverado and accepted a duffel bag containing cocaine that was to be transported.
During a later traffic stop, investigators found 15 bundles of cocaine weighing about 18.5 kilograms.
In total, authorities seized more than 65 kilograms of cocaine with an estimated street value exceeding $1 million.
Pena was previously sentenced to 56 months in federal prison followed by three years of supervised release.
Both men remain in custody pending transfer to federal prison facilities.
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