By: Richard L. Smith
A Colombian man has admitted to his involvement in a conspiracy to import 15 kilograms of cocaine into the United States from Colombia, according to a statement released by U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger.
Savier Cervantes, 37, of Cartagena, Colombia, appeared before U.S. District Judge Evelyn Padin in Newark federal court on September 30, 2024, where he pleaded guilty to a charge of conspiracy to import cocaine.
Court documents and statements reveal that in December 2021, Cervantes facilitated the transfer of five kilograms of cocaine from a Colombian supplier to Antonio Diaz, a U.S. citizen.
Cervantes helped organize the transportation of the drugs from Cartagena to New Jersey.
Diaz has since pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute and possession with intent to distribute cocaine.
In mid-2022, Cervantes further assisted in connecting another U.S. citizen, Bashimi Briscoe, with two individuals in Colombia who sold him 10 kilograms of cocaine.
Cervantes also helped arrange a meeting with a third person who offered to smuggle the drugs into the United States.
Briscoe has since pleaded guilty to conspiracy to import cocaine.
Cervantes faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $1 million. His sentencing is scheduled for March 12, 2025.
