A Pharr man is scheduled for a detention hearing next week in connection with allegations that he attempted to conceal three different controlled substances inside a commercial bus bound for the U.S.
Eduardo Maldonado is set for a detention hearing March 17 after he was indicted Tuesday in a smuggling case involving heroin, methamphetamine, and cocaine, records show.
The 46-year-old Pharr resident allegedly attempted to smuggle a total of more than 7 kilos of the controlled substances through the Juarez-Lincoln International Bridge in Laredo on Feb. 8, records show. Maldonado was a passenger in a commercial bus.
During inspection of the bus, U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers scanned luggage and noticed “anomalies” in a cardboard box later determined to be Maldonado’s, records show.
A K-9 unit then positively alerted officers about the presence of contraband, and law enforcement determined the box belonged to Maldonado, a news release from the Southern District of Texas U.S. Attorney’s office stated.
A search of the box revealed a total of nine packages, all which allegedly tested positive for cocaine, meth and heroin.
In all, officers determined Maldonado allegedly had more than four kilos of cocaine, a little more than 2 kilos of heroin, and nearly 1.5 kilos of meth, records show.
On Tuesday, Maldonado made his initial appearance before a U.S. magistrate in connection with the aforementioned charges, including conspiracy to import 50 grams or more of meth.
Maldonado, who is currently in federal custody, is set for a detention hearing March 19.
If convicted of the smuggling conspiracy and importation charges, Maldonado faces up to life in prison, the release stated.
