A 34-year-old man, Elias Garcia, has pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute over four kilograms of cocaine, according to U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani.

The incident occurred on October 4 when Garcia attempted to drive a Jeep Cherokee SUV through the primary inspection lane at the Falfurrias Border Patrol (BP) checkpoint. An X-ray of the vehicle revealed an anomaly inside the battery compartment beneath the driver's seat.

Upon inspection, authorities found four bundles of cocaine concealed within the vehicle's battery. The total weight of the cocaine was approximately four kilograms, with an estimated street value exceeding $200,000.

U.S. District Judge David S. Morales is scheduled to impose sentencing on February 21. Garcia could face up to 40 years in federal prison and a maximum fine of $5 million.

Garcia will remain in custody pending sentencing. The investigation was conducted by Border Patrol and the Drug Enforcement Administration.