Officials say bus companies transported drugs from Mexico

Associated Press - April 23, 2008 4:15 PM ET

HOUSTON (AP) - Eighteen people have been indicted on charges of transporting cocaine and marijuana aboard commercial buses that ferried passengers between Mexico and the U.S.

Officials in Houston said Wednesday that the owners and managers of 5 bus companies operated their businesses as fronts for transporting drugs. People hired as bus drivers and loaders delivered the drugs that were hidden in secret compartments, officials say.

The bus companies accused of taking part in the drug smuggling - Transtar, Neptune Tours, Los Primos, USA-MEX and Ameri-Mex - have offices in Monterrey, Mexico; Rio Grande City; Roma; San Antonio; and Houston.

All 18 people are charged with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine and marijuana and each faces up to life in prison if convicted.

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