A South Gate man was sentenced to 12 years in federal prison after trafficking drugs from Mexico by using cars with hidden compartments.

Jose Antonio Villegas, authorities have said, directed his drug trafficking ring to pick up drugs and arrange sales with specially modified " trap cars, " including BMWs, to hide and transport drugs, including cocaine, heroin and hash oil.

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Villegas, 37, pleaded guilty last year to one federal count of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute controlled substances, according to the U.S. Attorney's Office.

A stash house linked to Villegas’ group was also discovered in Downey, containing materials for making and distributing drugs, including pill presses and m

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