A drug courier from California who was stopped on a Kansas highway with 117 pounds of cocaine was sentenced Monday to three years in federal prison.

Marco Antonio Aispuro, 48, pleaded guilty to one count of possession with intent to distribute cocaine, U.S. Attorney Tom Beall said.

Aispuro was arrested Oct. 21, 2016. The Kansas Highway Patrol stopped him on eastbound I-70 in Wabaunsee County. A search of his vehicle turned up 117 pounds of cocaine hidden in a rear quarter panel and a spare tire.

Beall commended the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Kansas Highway Patrol and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Skip Jacobs for their work on the case.