Rio Grande City investigator accused in drug smuggling conspiracy
A Rio Grande City police investigator who until Saturday was assigned to a Starr County drug task force has been charged in a drug conspiracy, according to federal prosecutors.
Homeland Security Investigations agents on Saturday arrested Noel Pena on a charge of conspiracy to possess and intent to distribute about 10 kilograms of cocaine, court records show. As of Saturday, Pena is no longer with Rio Grande City police.
Pena had been with the Rio Grande City Police Department for seven years and assigned to the Starr County High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Task Force for the past four years. A second man, Hector Salinas, is also accused of being involved in the drug conspiracy.
This is what happens when somebody takes a wrong turn, said Rio Grande City Police Chief Noe Castillo. We are held to a higher standard, but this should not reflect on all the law enforcement officers.
Read more: http://www.chron.com/news/local/article/Rio-Grande-City-investigator-accused-in-drug-6211378.php