The Cyril E. King Airport in St. Thomas, USVI. Photo Credit: V.I. CONSORTIUM
ST. THOMAS — Carlos Gascot Concepcion, a 46-year-old resident of Puerto Rico, has been convicted by a federal jury for attempting to smuggle cocaine through Cyril E. King Airport, announced U.S. Attorney Delia L. Smith.
Following a two-day trial last week, Gascot Concepcion was found guilty of possession with intent to distribute cocaine. The conviction carries a potential sentence of up to 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $1,000,000. Chief District Judge Robert A. Molloy has set the sentencing for October 4, 2024.
The incident that led to Gascot Concepcion’s arrest occurred on October 4, 2023, when he attempted to board a flight to Puerto Rico. During a routine check after clearing Customs at Cyril E. King Airport, Customs and Border Protection officers inspected Gascot Concepcion’s suitcase. Inside, they discovered a brick-shaped package containing one kilogram of cocaine.
The prosecution of this case was handled by Assistant United States Attorneys Kyle Payne and Kimberly Riley. The investigation involved multiple agencies, including U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Homeland Security Investigations, and the Drug Enforcement Administration.
