According to a Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) Press Release, on March 12, 2012, Rafael Cardenas Vela, the nephew of imprisoned Mexican drug cartel ring leader Osiel Cardenas Guillen, pled guilty to federal charges of drug conspiracy.
Rafael Cardenas Velas
In connection with his drug conspiracy charges, Mr. Cardenas Vela admitted that he was involved in the transportation and distribution of marijuana and cocaine. In his position with the drug cartel, Cardenas Vela was responsible for the transportation of marijuana and cocaine from Mexico to the United States. Once the drugs were successfully transported to the U.S., they were sent to distribution cells for which he was also responsible. Although he was not permitted to legally enter the United States, Cardenas Vela used another man’s identification for his frequent travels.
Cardenas Vela also admitted that he had been involved in the drug ring for years, having been jumping the ranks since 2001. The DEA noticed that his name began to surface more frequently, which caused them to initiate an investigation which ultimately led to his arrest. Cardenas Vela was arrested, uneventfully, in October 2011 in Southern Texas. He did not have any weapons or drugs in his possession when the authorities pulled him over in a vehicle driven by his bodyguards. Prior to arrest, Cardenas Velas was residing in his Texas home, 30 miles from the Mexican border.
Since his arrest on drug charges, Rafael Cardenas Vela has been in the custody of a federal prison. If convicted of federal drug crimes, he could face ten years to life behind bars. So far, Rafael Cardenas Vela, has been cooperating with the Feds.
Not everyone who is facing federal drug charges has a background like Mr. Cardenas Vela’, and federal drug offenses can also involve prescription medications such as Vicodin or OxyContin. A top San Antonio, Texas, criminal defense attorney can defend all types of clients against federal drug charges. Contact an experienced San Antonio drug crime lawyer today for a no-obligation consultation.
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