Texas woman admits to smuggling cocaine

LAREDO, TX -- A resident of San Antonio has entered a guilty plea to importing almost 17 kilograms of cocaine into the United States, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Jennifer B. Lowery.

On May 20, Alessandra Olivares attempted to enter the United States at the Juarez–Lincoln Bridge in Laredo. After a service K-9 alerted to her SUV, law enforcement conducted an X-ray inspection of the vehicle and discovered anomalies. They drilled into that area and discovered a compartment containing 15 bundles of cocaine weighing 16.84 kilograms.

The drugs had an estimated street value of over $400,000.

U.S. District Judge Diana Saldana accepted the plea and will set sentencing for a later date. At that time, Olivares faces up to 10 years in prison and a possible $10 million maximum fine. She has been and will remain in custody pending sentencing.

Homeland Security Investigations conducted the investigation with the assistance of Customs and Border Protection. Assistant U.S. Attorney David Fawcett is prosecuting the case.