Texas Border Business
U.S. Attorney’s Office, Southern District of Texas
BROWNSVILLE, Texas – A home acquired with drug proceeds and used to launder money has been civilly fortified to the United States.
Authorities identified a major cocaine supplier allegedly linked to multiple cartels. The forfeiture action indicated thousands of kilograms of cocaine had been imported from Mexico into the United States for distribution in several states, including California, Nevada, North Carolina, Indiana and Florida.
According to the court filings, the mansion was purchased with proceeds from the drug trafficking activities which were also used to make substantial improvements, including construction of a pool, pool house and a full renovation of the residence.
The mansion includes six bedrooms, four bathrooms and more than 6,900 square feet and has been appraised at approximately $1.7 million. The property will be sold at government auction.
U.S. District Judge Fernando Rodriguez Jr. approved the final order of forfeiture after concluding the property was acquired with drug proceeds and involved money laundering activities. No unaddressed claims to the property had been filed.
Immigration and Customs Enforcement – Homeland Security Investigations conducted the civil and criminal investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Tyler Foster and Zachary Blackmon handled the civil forfeiture. AUSA Lance Watt is prosecuting the related criminal case.
Updated May 6, 2026
