A leader of the Cartel del Noreste, who smuggled drugs into the South Texas border town of Laredo, has been sentenced to 16 years in prison, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office.

The Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office said deputies discovered nearly 150 lbs. of methamphetamine hidden in landscape stone pavers.

"We need to go on the offense. We don't need to be cowering in our holes," Congressman Keith Self told Newsweek.