Colombian Citizen Admits to Role in Cocaine Importation Conspiracy

Savier Cervantes pleaded guilty to conspiring to import 15 kilograms of cocaine into the United States.

Savier Cervantes, 37, of Cartagena, Colombia, admitted today to conspiring to import 15 kilograms of cocaine into the United States from Colombia, U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger announced. Cervantes pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Evelyn Padin in Newark federal court on September 30, 2024, to one count of conspiracy to import cocaine.

According to court documents and statements, in December 2021, Cervantes facilitated the transfer of five kilograms of cocaine from a supplier in Colombia to U.S. citizen Antonio Diaz and arranged for the transportation of the cocaine from Cartagena to New Jersey. Diaz has previously pleaded guilty to charges of conspiracy to distribute and possession with intent to distribute cocaine.

In June and July 2022, Cervantes introduced another U.S. citizen, Bashimi Briscoe, to two Colombian individuals who sold Briscoe 10 kilograms of cocaine and organized a meeting with a third person who offered to transport the cocaine to the United States. Briscoe has also previously pleaded guilty to conspiracy to import cocaine into the U.S.

The charge to which Cervantes pleaded guilty carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $1 million. Sentencing is set for March 12, 2025.

U.S. Attorney Sellinger credited the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), including special agents under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Frank A. Tarentino III in New York and those operating in Colombia, with the investigation that led to the guilty plea. Assistant U.S. Attorney Aaron L. Webman of the Economic Crimes Unit in Newark represents the government in this case.