FEDERAL JURY CONVICTS PUERTO RICO MAN OF SMUGGLING COCAINE THROUGH CYRIL E. KING AIRPORT

St. Thomas, VI – United States Attorney Delia L. Smith announced today that Carlos Gascot Concepcion, 46, of Puerto Rico, was found guilty following a two-day jury trial of possession with intent to distribute cocaine. Chief District Judge Robert A. Molloy scheduled Gascot Concepcion’s sentencing for October 4, 2024, where he faces up to 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $1,000,000.00.

According to court documents, on October 4, 2023, Gascot Concepcion arrived at the Cyril E. King airport in St. Thomas attempting to board a flight to Puerto Rico. After clearing Customs, Gascot Concepcion was stopped by Customs and Border Protection officers for an inspection of his suitcase. During the inspection, officers discovered a brick-shaped package containing one kilogram of cocaine.

This case was investigated by U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Homeland Security Investigations and Drug Enforcement Administration and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Kyle Payne and Kimberly Riley.