A Fort Lauderdale jury has handed down a guilty verdict against a 32-year-old Bahamian man for his part in a sophisticated smuggling ring that funneled hundreds of kilograms of cocaine and dozens of unauthorized migrants into South Florida.
Terrance Wallace was convicted of conspiracy to import cocaine, importing cocaine, and alien smuggling following a federal trial that detailed a coordinated multi-vessel operation. Wallace now faces a mandatory minimum of 10 years in prison, with the possibility of life behind bars.
The case centered on a high-speed maritime chase on August 30, 2025. U.S. Customs and Border Protection and the U.S. Coast Guard tracked three “go-fast” boats crossing from the Bahamas toward the Florida coast.
When law enforcement moved to intercept the vessels, one driver ignored sirens and commands to stop, forcing officers to fire warning shots and disable the boat’s engine.
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On board, authorities found five of Wallace’s co-defendants—Malik Delancy, Fiero Cooper, Darren Sears, Ivan Curry, and Jeremiah Russell—alongside 168 kilograms of cocaine and 31 Chinese nationals who lacked authorization to enter the country.
While his associates were on the water, DEA agents spotted Wallace and another man, Teshawn Curry, conducting counter-surveillance near the Fort Pierce Inlet. Evidence pulled from Wallace’s phone, including text messages and videos, proved he acted as a lookout not just for this failed run, but for two previous successful smuggling trips.
In total, the investigation linked Wallace to the importation of more than 500 kilograms of cocaine.
“This defendant helped operate a transnational smuggling pipeline that brought both cocaine and unlawful migrants into South Florida by boat,” said U.S. Attorney Jason A. Reding Quiñones. “The jury’s verdict makes clear that those who work with criminal smuggling organizations to move drugs and people into this country will be prosecuted and held accountable.”
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Acting Special Agent in Charge Jose R. Figueroa of Homeland Security Investigations Miami emphasized that dismantling such organizations remains a top priority.
“HSI will utilize every resource at our disposal to pursue and dismantle these criminal organizations to protect our communities and defend our borders,” Figueroa stated.
Wallace’s five co-defendants have already pleaded guilty to their roles in the conspiracy and are set for sentencing on June 8. A federal district court judge will determine Wallace’s final sentence at a later date, guided by U.S. Sentencing Guidelines.
The investigation involved a massive inter-agency effort, including the DEA, HSI, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, and local police departments from Davie and St. Lucie County. Assistant U.S. Attorneys James Ustynoski, Ajay Alexander, and Catherine Koontz led the prosecution.
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