Oct. 15, 2010

COCAINE SMUGGLER SENTENCED

TOPEKA, KAN. – Marcelo Sanchez-Perez, 27, Puyallup, Wash., has been sentenced to 51 months in federal prison for possession with intent to distribute almost five pounds of cocaine, U.S. Attorney Barry Grissom said today.

Sanchez pleaded guilty to one count of possession with intent to distribute 2.25 kilograms of cocaine. In his plea, he admitted that on March 23, 2010, the Kansas Highway Patrol stopped him on I-70 in Wabaunsee County, Kan. A search of his Dodge pickup revealed a concealed compartment built into the engine’s intake manifold containing the cocaine.

Grissom commended the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Kansas Highway Patrol and Assistant U.S. Attorney Randy Hendershot for their work on the case.