Trafficker Sent to Prison for Transporting 39 Pounds of Cocaine Across Border Following HSI RGV, Federal Partner Investigation

McALLEN, Texas — Brenda Bazaldua-Mariscal, 41, of Mission, who imported cocaine from Mexico, was sentenced June 24 to 10 years in federal prison immediately followed by five years of supervised release following a Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and U.S. Customs and Border Protection investigation.

At Bazaldua-Mariscal’s sentencing, the court heard additional evidence about the drug trafficking organization’s organizational structure. In handing down the sentence, the judge noted her previous 60-month sentence. Bazaldua-Mariscal pleaded guilty May 22, 2023.

“This 10-year sentence highlights the success of HSI’s collaborative efforts in combating drug trafficking along the southern border,” said HSI San Antonio Special Agent in Charge Craig Larrabee. “HSI is committed to holding accountable those who recklessly distribute this poison within our communities.”

According to court documents, on Aug. 12, 2021, Bazaldua-Mariscal approached the Pharr Port of Entry driving a Lincoln MKX. Authorities noted inconsistencies in her travel itinerary and referred her to secondary inspection. There, a K-9 alerted to the odor of narcotics in the front of the vehicle. Authorities then discovered the front bumper was lined with a non-factory compartment containing 16 bundles of cocaine with a total weight of 18 kilograms and an estimated street value of $234,000. Further investigation revealed text messages indicating Bazaldua-Mariscal was aware she was importing narcotics.

Bazaldua-Mariscal remains in custody pending transfer to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future.

Assistant U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Texas Jose A. Garcia prosecuted the case.