Laredo Felon Admits to Possessing Cocaine and Handguns in Home
LAREDO, Texas – A 47-year-old man has pleaded guilty to possessing over 800 grams of cocaine, announced Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Special Agent in Charge Daniel C. Comeaux of the Houston Division and U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani.
The investigation began in September 2022, when law enforcement learned Homero Flores was selling cocaine in the Laredo area. They later located several clear plastic baggies in in his trash that were consistent with the size and shape of how narcotics would be stored for street-level sale. Authorities also found multiple handwritten notes on paper towels that contained weights, prices and terminology - all consistent with the sale of street-level quantities of cocaine.
A search of his home resulted in the discovery of a plastic bag containing what was determined to be 850 grams of cocaine as well as two firearms.
Flores has a 2012 conviction for conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine. As a convicted felon, he is prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition per federal law.
U.S. District Judge Diana Saldaña will impose sentencing at a later date. At that time, Flores faces up to 40 years in federal prison and a possible $5 million maximum fine.
Flores will remain in custody pending that hearing.
The Drug Enforcement Administration, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Laredo Police Department’s Narcotics Division conducted the investigation with assistance from Homeland Security Investigations and Border Patrol. Assistant U.S. Attorney Brian Bajew is prosecuting the case.
This case is being prosecuted as part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF is the largest anti-crime task force in the country. OCDETF identifies, disrupts and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found on the Department of Justice’s OCDETF webpage.