A man from Mexico, who was living in Mission, Texas illegally, has been given a 210-month prison sentence for trafficking cocaine. The sentence was handed down by Chief U.S. District Judge Randy Crane, along with five years of supervised release. The man’s name is Jorge Alberto Galindo-Vargas, and he is 44 years old.
According to court documents, Galindo-Vargas admitted guilt on June 28, 2024, when authorities found 12 kilograms of cocaine in his vehicle during a traffic stop on November 1, 2023. Judge Crane expressed disappointment during the sentencing, stating, “Regrettably, you have once again involved yourself in the cocaine trade, and this will result in a significant portion of your life being taken away from you.”
The U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Rio Grande Valley Office carried out the investigation. Mark Lippa, Deputy Special Agent in Charge of ICE Homeland Security Investigations Rio Grande Valley, emphasized the agency’s dedication to tackling drug trafficking and ensuring border security as he highlighted the sentencing of this individual.
Galindo-Vargas is currently in custody and is waiting to be transferred to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility. The Southern District of Texas is handling the prosecution of the case, with Assistant U.S. Attorneys Roberto Lopez Jr., Lance Watt, and Brittany Jensen leading the efforts.
You can help keep our communities safe by reporting any crimes or suspicious activity to the ICE Tip Line at 866-DHS-2-ICE (866-347-2423) or by using the online tip form. For more information on how ICE HSI is working to enhance public safety in Central and South Texas, you can visit their official website at X: @HSI_SanAntonio.