Julio Soto Robles and Gregory Vega on Friday were charged in federal court on St. Thomas with possession of a controlled substance – cocaine – with intent to distribute, U.S. Attorney Gretchen C.F. Shappert announced.
According to court records, on Aug.18, Soto Robles and Vega arrived at the Cyril E. King Airport on a flight from Puerto Rico with no luggage. During a primary inspection by Customs and Border Protection agents, Soto Robles was found to be in possession of $11,000 in U.S. currency.
Two days later, on Aug. 20, Soto Robles and Vega returned to the Cyril E. King airport, with a carry-on bag, and attempted to board a flight bound for Puerto Rico. During the secondary inspection process, Customs and Border Protection agents searched the bag that the two men were carrying and discovered approximately 865 grams, or just under two pounds, of cocaine inside the bag, according to the court records.
A detention hearing will be held before Magistrate Ruth Miller on Tuesday.
The case is being investigated by Customs and Border Protection and the Department of Homeland Security.