Kenedy and Kieburg District Attorney John Hubert has reported that Raymondville resident Jose Isidro Gutierrez, 36, has been convicted of the possession of 88 pounds of marijuana.

He plead guilty to the felony charge and was sentenced to serve seven years in prison.

His truck was stopped at the Sarita checkpoint on Dec. 5,2009 and the marijuana was found concealed in the gas tank.

"This is an extremely common way for smugglers to try to mask the smell of marijuana, which is concealed in vacuum sealed bags," said District Attorney Hubert.

Gutierrez was convicted 16 years ago of felony assault and sent to prison, Hubert said.