Weslaco woman admits role in cocaine trafficking scheme

BROWNSVILLE, Texas - A 34-year-old South Texas woman has admitted she conspired to possess with intent to deliver more than five kilograms of cocaine, announced U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei.

Upon her initial arrest, Edith Gonzalez admitted she "knew this date was coming" and to personally "gift-wrapping" a box containing the cocaine.

On April 16, 2024, authorities stopped a Chevrolet Equinox in Weslaco and discovered the gift-wrapped cardboard box containing 8.8 kilograms of cocaine.

As part of her plea, Gonzalez acknowledged communicating with others to have the cocaine delivered.

U.S. District Judge Rolando Olvera Gonzalez will impose sentencing Dec. 17. At that time, Gonzalez faces a minimum of 10 years and up to life in federal prison as well as a possible $10 million fine.

The case is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts and dismantles drug trafficking organizations and other criminal networks that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state and local enforcement agencies. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found on the Department of Justice's OCDETF webpage.

Drug Enforcement Administration, Immigration and Customs Enforcement - Homeland Security Investigations and FBI conducted the investigation with the assistance of the Texas Department of Public Safety. Assistant U.S. Attorney Oscar Ponce is prosecuting the case.