Jacumba

Two men involved in the county’s largest cocaine seizure were each sentenced Tuesday to 15 years in federal prison and fined $20,000.

U.S. District Judge John Rhoades imposed the terms on Noel Armando Aispuro, 22, of Rosemead, and Manuel de Jesus Zazueta-Beltran, 20, address unknown.

The men were arrested Sept. 22 near Jacumba after the Border Patrol seized 1,285 pounds of Colombian cocaine smuggled through Mexico.

“It’s the largest seizure of cocaine in San Diego County’s history,” said Assistant U.S. Atty. Pat O’Toole, who put the street value at about $114 million.

O’Toole had asked the judge to impose 40-year terms. The probation department had recommended 20-year sentences, and defense attorneys had requested minimal prison time without stating a suggested sentence.

The pair were convicted by Rhoades in a non-jury trial Feb. 12 of conspiracy to import cocaine, possession of cocaine with intent to distribute, and importation of cocaine.

O’Toole said Beltran drove an empty truck as a look-out several minutes before Aispuro came through with the drugs in a second truck.

The prosecutor said the investigation is continuing for other possible suspects.

The two men could have been sentenced to a maximum 60 years in prison.