Colombian Boat Captain Sentenced To More Than 18 Years In Federal Prison

Tampa, Florida – U.S. District Judge Charlene Edwards Honeywell has sentenced Juan Yover Estrada-Mancilla (35, Colombia, South America) to 18 years and 9 months in federal prison for conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute five kilograms of cocaine while on board a vessel subject to the jurisdiction of the United States. Estrada-Mancilla is the last of three defendants to be sentenced in this case. On October 22, 2014, Jorge Mario Cuero-Delgado (47, Colombia), was sentenced to serve 10 years and 1 month in federal prison, and Franklin Albeiro Angulo-Montano (39, Colombia) was sentenced to serve 11 years and 3 months in federal prison.

All three Colombian nationals were arrested on May 18, 2014, when the self-propelled, semi-submersible vessel in which they were traveling was interdicted and searched by the U.S. Coast Guard (USCG). During the search of the vessel, members of the USCG team found and seized 2,838 kilograms of cocaine.  

Estrada-Mancilla, the captain of the vessel, and the two crewmembers all previously pleaded guilty to the offense.  

This case was investigated by OCDETF's Panama Express Strike Force, comprised of agents and analysts from the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement=s Homeland Security Investigations, the United States Coast Guard Investigative Service, and the Joint Interagency Task Force South. The principal mission of the OCDETF Program is to identify, disrupt, and dismantle the most serious drug trafficking and money laundering organizations and those primarily responsible for the nation's drug supply.

This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Maria Chapa Lopez.