Mexican woman sentenced to more than 8 years in federal prison for importing methamphetamine

LAREDO, Texas — A Mexican woman was sentenced to more than eight years in federal prison following her conviction for conspiracy to import methamphetamine.

This sentence was announced by Acting U.S. Attorney Abe Martinez, Southern District of Texas. This case was investigated by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI).  

Vanessa Hernandez, 24, from Guadalajara, Mexico, was sentenced June 9 by U.S. District George P. Kazen to 100 months in federal prison. Since she is not a U.S. citizen, she is expected to face deportation proceedings following her release from prison. Hernandez pleaded guilty to the charges Sept. 6, 2016.

According to court documents, on July 13, 2016, Hernandez applied for entry into the United States at the Lincoln-Juarez International Bridge in Laredo as a passenger in a Mexican taxi cab. She was travelling with one piece of luggage which showed anomalies within the lining wall. Further inspection of the luggage revealed two clear bags containing 4.02 kilograms (about 9 pounds) of methamphetamine.

Hernandez remains in custody pending her transfer to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons’ facility to be determined in the near future.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher dos Santos, Southern District of Texas, prosecuted this case.