Illegal alien receives five years for smuggling cocaine hidden in vehicle batteries

CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas - A 29-year-old Mexican national has been ordered to federal prison for possessing narcotics with the intent to distribute, announced U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei.

Azael Sotelo-Espinoza pleaded guilty Oct. 22, 2025.

U.S. District Judge David Morales has now ordered Sotelo-Espinoza to serve 60 months in federal prison. Not a U.S. citizen, he is expected to face removal proceedings following his imprisonment. In handing down the sentence Feb. 4, the court noted Sotelo-Espinoza was not to return to the United States without permission.

On Aug. 15, 2025, law enforcement conducted a traffic stop on a white Chevrolet Silverado for a defective light. Sotelo-Espinoza was driving. Upon questioning, he appeared nervous and was breathing heavily, sweating, and his hands were shaking. He also gave inconsistent statements about his travels.

Authorities observed a second battery in the engine compartment that displayed evidence of tampering. An X-ray scan showed the batteries lacked internal components. A K-9 also alerted to the presence of narcotics.

Further investigation revealed two bundles wrapped in duct tape and electrical tape inside the battery. The packages weighed approximately 2.34 kilograms and tested positive for cocaine.

A subsequent search of the vehicle uncovered jumper cables and a wrench that fit the terminals on the battery located in the back seat.

Authorities also discovered Sotelo-Espinoza had deleted cell phone messages before they approached him and that the vehicle he was driving had made frequent trips from the Rio Grande Valley to Houston, returning the same day.

Sotelo-Espinoza has been and will remain in custody pending transfer to a Federal Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future.

The Drug Enforcement Administration conducted the investigation with assistance from Kingsville Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Yasmine K. Tucker prosecuted the case.