Mikkail Antonio Nolasco Jimenez is now facing charges of importing cocaine into the United States and conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute it, United States Attorney Kenneth Magidson announced today.
Jimenez, a citizen of the Dominican Republic, was arrested Saturday at IAH after an investigation revealed he allegedly ingested 53 pellets containing cocaine.
According to authorities, Jimenez arrived aboard a flight from Port of Spain Trinidad and Tobago bound for New York. Homeland Security Investigations agents became suspicious when Jimenez provided inconsistent statements and during their investigation, they discovered the pellets in his body.
Jimenez was transported and admitted to an area hospital, where he allegedly expelled a total of 53 pellets filled with cocaine, according to the complaint.
Jimenez remains in federal custody pending a detention hearing, which is set for Thursday.
If convicted, Jimenez faces a mandatory minimum of five and up to a 40 years in prison on each of the two counts.
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