NEWARK, N.J. — A Colombian citizen has admitted to conspiring to import 15 kilograms of cocaine into the United States, U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger announced Monday.
Savier Cervantes, 37, of Cartagena, Colombia, pleaded guilty on Sept. 30, 2024, in Newark federal court before U.S. District Judge Evelyn Padin. Cervantes was charged with one count of conspiracy to import cocaine.
According to court documents and statements made during the proceedings, Cervantes facilitated the transfer of five kilograms of cocaine from a Colombian supplier to Antonio Diaz, a U.S. citizen, in December 2021. The drugs were transported from Cartagena to New Jersey. Diaz had previously pleaded guilty to 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 him 10 kilograms of cocaine. Cervantes also helped arrange a meeting between Briscoe and a third individual who offered to transport the drugs to the U.S. Briscoe has also pleaded guilty to conspiracy to import cocaine.
The charge against Cervantes carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $1 million. Sentencing is set for March 12, 2025.
