A former Naco, Sonora, police chief, arrested after allegedly being found with 59 pounds of marijuana, was arraigned Monday in U.S. District Court in Tucson, officials said.
Roberto Tacho Verdugo, 52, is the brother of slain Agua Prieta, Sonora, Police Chief Ramón Tacho Verdugo, 49, according to Brian Levin, a spokesman for Customs and Border Protection.
Ramón Tacho Verdugo died on Feb. 26 from gunshot wounds suffered as he walked out of Agua Prieta's municipal police station, near the Douglas border.
Roberto Tacho Verdugo has been charged with possession with intent to distribute marijuana and could face up to five years in prison and a $250,000 fine, said Wyn Hornbuckle, a spokesman for the U.S. Attorney's Office.
A detention hearing for Roberto Tacho Verdugo is scheduled for Wednesday, Hornbuckle said.
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On Friday, Roberto Tacho Verdugo entered the United States at the Douglas port of entry. He was driving a 1995 Ford Windstar van, accompanied by his wife and two children as passengers, Hornbuckle said.
Upon inspection, 17 bundles of marijuana were found in the van's gas tank, Levin said.
Roberto Tacho Verdugo admitted to knowing that the marijuana was in the vehicle. He said he was unaware of how much was in the van, but that he was paid $1,500 for transporting the load to Tucson, Hornbuckle said.
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