El Paso Standard

A South Texas man, Salvador Noyola, has been sentenced to 15 years in prison for drug trafficking while under federal supervision. The investigation was led by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in collaboration with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the Texas Department of Public Safety. Local law enforcement agencies including the Hidalgo County Sheriff’s Office and the Mission and Alton police departments also assisted.

Noyola, aged 56 from Mission, Texas, received his sentence on February 20 from Chief U.S. District Judge Randy Crane. He is to serve 188 months in federal prison followed by five years of supervised release. His sentence includes an additional 18 months for violating terms of his previous supervised release. During sentencing, Judge Crane advised Noyola to change his ways: “You’ve got to get out of this business… I hope that you will find another way to make money.” Noyola had pleaded guilty on May 3, 2024.

Mark Lippa, ICE Homeland Security Investigations Rio Grande Valley Deputy Special Agent in Charge stated: “Today's sentencing of a repeat drug trafficker to 15 years underscores the serious consequences of continuous involvement in these illegal activities. This significant penalty highlights our dedication to enforcing drug laws and maintaining public safety.” He added that the sentence should act as a deterrent for others.

Court documents reveal that authorities arrested Noyola in December 2023 after finding over a kilogram of powdered cocaine during a search at his residence.

Noyola remains detained awaiting transfer to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility.

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Roberto Lopez Jr., Lance Watt, and Brittany Jensen from the Southern District of Texas.