PHILADELPHIA — A man from Puerto Rico was sentenced Thursday to two years in federal prison for attempting to smuggle more than four kilograms of cocaine into Philadelphia, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania.
Jose Alberto Cruz-Garcia, 31, of Las Piedras, Puerto Rico, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Timothy J. Savage. In addition to his prison term, Cruz-Garcia will serve three years of supervised release. He pleaded guilty in May to charges stemming from his July 2023 arrest.
On July 21, 2023, Cruz-Garcia flew from San Juan, Puerto Rico, to Philadelphia with over four kilograms of cocaine concealed in his luggage. Upon his arrival, he met with his co-defendant, Josue Benito Ascencio-Vega, outside a motel near the airport to deliver the drugs. Both men were arrested by federal authorities during the exchange.
Ascencio-Vega was sentenced to five years in prison in July for his role in the smuggling operation.
“Whether you’re coming by plane, train, or automobile, if you bring a large quantity of illegal narcotics into the Eastern District of Pennsylvania, be prepared to lose more than your luggage,” said U.S. Attorney Jacqueline C. Romero.
The investigation and prosecution were carried out in collaboration with Homeland Security Investigations (HSI). Acting Special Agent in Charge Sara Bay praised the partnership, saying, “Our work continues to provide incredible results for the citizens of Pennsylvania.”