Former Starr County narcotics officer indicted on drug charges



Noel Peña

Posted: Wednesday, May 13, 2015 8:04 am

McALLEN, Texas (AP) — A South Texas officer and another man have been indicted over what prosecutors say involved fake police reports to smuggle cocaine.

The federal indictment announced Tuesday names Rio Grande City police investigator Noel Peña.

Prosecutors in McAllen say Peña and Hector Salinas-Hinojosa of Roma are charged with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute as well as possession with intent to distribute cocaine.

The undercover investigation began last month, leading to both men arrested. Peña was assigned to the Starr County High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Task Force.

Investigators say Peña worked with drug traffickers who would steal much of the cocaine they were holding for Mexican cartels. Authorities say Peña accepted bribes to generate fake police reports saying the cocaine had been confiscated during law enforcement operations he set up.

http://www.themonitor.com/news/local...b5dddba61.html