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A federal magistrate judge has ordered a Reynosa city councilor released from custody after dismissing charges against her that alleged she attempted to smuggle around 93 pounds of cocaine through the U.S. Border Patrol checkpoint in Falfurrias.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Juan F. Alanis dismissed the charge Thursday against Denisse Ahumada.
The Associated Press reported on Wednesday that Ahumada is one of about 20 members of the Reynosa city council.
Alanis’ order said the complaint would be dismissed without prejudice, which means federal authorities are allowed to bring charges again, though it’s not immediately clear whether they would.
The order said that the government did not meet its burden of establishing probable cause in the case.
Border Patrol agents encountered Ahumada on June 10 at the checkpoint and referred her for a secondary inspection. An X-ray of the white Mazda SUV she was driving revealed anomalies, according to the complaint.
Authorities physically searched the vehicle and found numerous bundles wrapped in duct tape and foil in multiple locations in the vehicle, including in the door panels and in the seats.
The complaint said Drug Enforcement Administration agents responded to the checkpoint, read Ahumada her Miranda warnings and that she agreed to provide a statement.
The DEA alleges Ahumada admitted to driving into the country through the Hidalgo port of entry.
“She stated she was to transport the narcotics concealed in the vehicle to San Antonio, Texas,” the complaint stated.
The DEA also alleged that Ahumada stated during the interview that she had transported drugs in the past as well.
