Mexican methamphetamine trafficker sentenced to more than 11 years in prison

LAREDO, Texas — A Mexican drug trafficker was sentenced Monday to more than 11 years in federal prison for possession with the intent to distribute methamphetamine.

This sentence was announced by U.S. Attorney Kenneth Magidson of the Southern District of Texas. This investigation was conducted by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) with the assistance of U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP).

Damian Hesari Mansur Jasso, 26, was sentenced Oct. 27 by U.S. District Judge Diana Saldana to 135 months in federal prison. Jasso pleaded guilty to the charges Feb. 10. He is expected to face deportation proceedings after he’s released from prison.

“While some may mistakenly view smuggling and trafficking in narcotics as a path to a quick profit, this sentencing demonstrates that serious consequences await those who engage in this criminal activity," said Special Agent in Charge Janice Ayala, HSI San Antonio. “HSI will continue to work closely with its law enforcement partners to bring narcotics traffickers to justice."

According to court documents, on Dec. 11, 2013, Jasso arrived at the Laredo Port of Entry Bridge #1 driving a Honda CRV. A CBP canine unit inspected the vehicle and alerted to the front-right wheel-well area. Agents removed the air bag access panel and noticed a drip of glue inside the natural void of the compartment. Agents were suspicious and conducted further inspection, which led them to discovering an after-market compartment in the firewall area of the vehicle near the front passenger seat. Six bundles totaling 6.26 kilograms (nearly 14 pounds) of methamphetamine with a 98 percent purity level were found concealed in that compartment.

Jasso will remain in custody pending transfer to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Sanjeev Bhasker, Southern District of Texas, is prosecuting this case.