I.C.E. News Releases

May 13, 2011
Falcon Dam, TX

A third felony drug-trafficking conviction results in life sentence for smuggler

FALCON DAM, Texas — A three-time convicted drug trafficker was sentenced Friday to serve a lifetime prison term, following an investigation led by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI). The sentencing announcement was made by U.S. Attorney Jose Moreno, Southern District of Texas.

Gilbert Lopez, 52, of Rio Grande City, Texas, the last of four individuals charged with conspiring to possess with intent to distribute almost 2000 kilograms of marijuana and more than 400 kilograms of cocaine, was sentenced on May 13 to a mandatory life term in federal prison without parole. U.S. District Judge Randy Crane handed down the sentence.

Lopez was indicted in 2006, along with three others, and pleaded guilty in March 2007. Based on Lopez’s two prior drug-trafficking felony convictions, the life sentence was mandated under applicable federal law after the United States filed the sentence enhancement.

“While some may mistakenly view smuggling and trafficking in narcotics as a path to a quick profit, this lifetime prison sentence of a recidivist criminal demonstrates that serious consequences await those who smuggle drugs,â€