LAREDO — Seven men accused of being members of the Gulf Cartel pleaded guilty to drug and money laundering charges in federal court on Monday.

Roberto Camacho, 22, and Gustavo Fabian Chapa, 22, pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute less than 500 grams of cocaine. They could be sentenced to up to 20 years in prison.

Arturo Palencia, 21, pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute more than 100 kilograms of marijuana and a weapons charge. He faces up to 50 years in prison.

Raul Castillo, 31, and Jorge Rodriguez, 21, pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute cocaine and conspiracy to launder monetary instruments for transporting cocaine from Laredo to Dallas and taking drug money back to Laredo, allegedly for the cartel. They face up to life in prison.

Rene Garcia, 29, and Eduardo "Negro" Carreon Ibarra, 24, pleaded guilty to travel in the aid of a racketeering enterprise and possession of a firearm. They face up to 25 years.



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