NEW YORK – A Bronx man has been found guilty by a jury in Manhattan federal court on charges relating to transporting narcotics across the country.

Jason Neal, 33, was also found guilty of possession of a firearm.

Neal arranged a scheme to purchase cocaine in Los Angeles and transport it to New York City for resale. He purchased a van and had it outfitted with a secret compartment where the cocaine was hidden.

On January 9, 2008, an officer with the Utah Highway Patrol stopped the couriers hired by Neal and recovered five kilograms of cocaine and two handguns – a .50 cal. Desert Eagle semi-automatic handgun and a .40 cal. Smith and Wessen semi-automatic weapon.

On January 14, Neal was arrested when he went to meet the couriers in the Bronx to pick up the cocaine. When Neal arrived for the meeting, he was carrying a .357 cal. Desert Eagle semi-automatic handgun in a secret compartment in his vehicle.

Federal agents found 132 rounds of ammunition, a bullet-proof best, marijuana and other drug paraphernalia all hidden in a secret compartment that was concealed in an end table.

Neal faces up to life in prison when sentenced.