Oct. 24--A Houston woman federal agents said crossed the border with marijuana in her truck and jewelry featuring the patron saint of drug dealers was convicted by a Brownsville jury late Thursday.

Maria Luisa De La Garza, 47, was found guilty of conspiracy and possession with intent to distribute marijuana.

De La Garza was stopped in July at the Brownsville Gateway International Bridge in a gold 1998 Ford F-150 when agents found marijuana hidden in containers bolted to the vehicle's rims.

The search was based on a Crime Stoppers tip giving her name and vehicle description, U.S. Attorney Tim Johnson announced.

Agents seized a pendant and a necklace with a depiction of the Santisima Muerte, whom U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents said is the patron saint of drug dealers.

"ICE agents testified drug smugglers frequently pray to and carry in their possession the Santisima Muerte, which smugglers mistakenly believe gives them power to avoid detection by law enforcement," prosecutors said.

Trial testimony showed De La Garza told agents she was doing a favor for a friend when she drove the F-150 bound for Houston. She told agents she believed she was transporting cocaine.

Testimony revealed that De La Garza's other vehicle, a PT Cruiser, was stopped in June in Louisiana with $148,000 cash in a hidden compartment.

De La Garza could face up to 20 years in prison and a $1 million fine.

mary.flood@chron.com

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