OMAHA, Neb. -- A man from New York and a man from Florida were sentenced to prison after being caught with cocaine.

Acting U.S. Attorney Steven Russell said 32-year-old Michael Aponte, of Pennellville, New York, and  31-year-old Rawy Correa-Perez, of Avon Park, Florida, were sentenced Wednesday for conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine and possession with intent to distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine.

Officials said Aponte will serve 130, over 10 years, months’ imprisonment with a five-year term of supervised release once finished. Correa-Perez received a sentence of 97, over 8 years, months’ imprisonment with a five-year term of supervised release after his sentence is over. There is no parole in the federal system.

According to authorities, Aponte and Correa-Perez were found guilty by a jury on May 19, 2022. Deputies with Douglas County Nebraska reported stopping a vehicle driven by Aponte for a traffic violation on Feb. 26, 2021. Correa-Perez was a passenger in the vehicle.

Officers said they noticed several indicators of criminal behavior and had a certified drug detection canine sniff around the vehicle. The dog reported indicated there was a presence of drugs in the vehicle. Deputies then searched the vehicle and found 34 pounds of cocaine in the spare tire.

Officials said the Drug Enforcement Administration helped with the investigation by obtaining and analyzing electronic data that came from Apple Inc. for both Aponte and Correa-Perez. The electronic data reportedly had pictures that were consistent with drug trade. Special agents also provided expert testimony, including that the cocaine had a value of approximately $390,000.

The report said the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office Forensic Services Bureau helped in the analysis of both the cocaine and fingerprints that were taken from the cocaine packaging.

This case was investigated by the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office and the Drug Enforcement Administration.