Zimbabwean National Pleads Guilty to Gun and Drug Offenses After…

Tatenda Banga, a Zimbabwean citizen, pleaded guilty to federal felonies for illegally crossing from Canada into Washington State, involving firearm possession and drug offenses. His sentencing is set for June 12, where he may face up to 35 years in prison under applicable federal laws.

On Thursday, Tatenda Banga, a Zimbabwean national, admitted guilt in a U.S. District Court in Seattle concerning federal felonies linked to his illegal border crossings from Canada into Washington State. The illegal activity took place in the North Cascades, where Banga, 30, was twice captured on surveillance cameras in 2024. He faces charges of being an unlawful alien in possession of firearms and possession of controlled substances with intent to distribute.

Banga’s sentencing is scheduled before U.S. District Judge Jamal N. Whitehead on June 12. According to the plea agreement, on January 3, 2024, U.S. Border Patrol technology identified an armed individual crossing the border near Hozomeen, Washington. Banga was documented entering the U.S. with a shotgun and later vandalizing another surveillance camera.

While initially evading capture, law enforcement located a loaded 12-gauge Winchester shotgun, which was left behind during his flight. This firearm was traced back to a dealer in Montreal, but no fingerprints were recovered at that time. On December 27, 2024, national park officials alerted the Border Patrol regarding suspicious activities near the border, leading to the discovery of a canoe and its contents, indicating cross-border movement.

Border Patrol agents later spotted Banga walking along Highway 20, identifying him from previous surveillance images. Lacking valid documentation and upon his arrest, authorities discovered scales, gelatin capsules, and approximately 1.4 pounds of MDMA in his possession. Banga was recognized as the same individual who had previously damaged surveillance cameras; the fingerprints on the recovered shotgun matched his.

Banga has acknowledged illegally entering the U.S. armed with a shotgun. The charge of being an unlawful alien in possession of a firearm carries a potential 15-year prison sentence, while possession of a controlled substance with intent to distribute could lead to 20 years. Judge Whitehead will determine Banga’s sentence based on guidelines and statutory factors. The investigation was a combined effort involving the U.S. Border Patrol Blaine Sector Anti-Smuggling Unit, National Park Service, and ICE HSI. Prosecuting the case are Assistant U.S. Attorney Dane A. Westermeyer and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Katherine Collins.

Tatenda Banga, a Zimbabwean national, has pleaded guilty to serious charges arising from illegal border crossing into the United States. His case involves significant gun and drug offenses. With a potential maximum sentence of 35 years combined for these felonies, the judicial process now awaits the scheduled sentencing. This situation highlights ongoing border security challenges and the complexities involved in immigration law enforcement efforts.

Original Source: www.newzimbabwe.com