Incarnate Word University student, friend accused of smuggling $900,000
SAN ANTONIO -- A University of the Incarnate Word student and his friend were arrested Tuesday on charges they were smuggling nearly $900,000 of suspected drug proceeds in a private airplane that was detained at the San Antonio International Airport.
Juan Pablo Hoyos Avila, 19, who is studying business administration, and Rafael Gabriel Martinez Leal, 19, both appeared in federal court Tuesday afternoon on the bulk-cash smuggling charge, for which they could receive up to five years in prison if convicted.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection agents in San Antonio, acting on a tip, diverted for inspection a private plane bound for Monterrey, Mexico, on Tuesday, according to a criminal complaint affidavit filed against the pair. During the inspection, agents asked the plane’s five occupants, including the pilot, if they had anything over $10,000 to declare, the affidavit said. Hoyos declared $960.
The affidavit said eight sealed boxes that had pictures of a fan and one fan that was not in a box were found inside the plane. Seven of the boxes contained bundles wrapped in gray duct tape. The bundles were opened and U.S. currency totaling $879,099 was found, the affidavit said.
Read more: https://www.mysanantonio.com/news/local/article/Incarnate-Word-student-friend-charged-in-13083594.php
= new reply since forum marked as read
