South Texas man sentenced to 9 years in federal prison for attempting to smuggle 11 pounds of methamphetamine into US
CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas — A South Texas man was sentenced to nine years in federal prison following his conviction for possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine.
This sentence was announced by U.S. Attorney Kenneth Magidson, Southern District of Texas. This investigation was conducted by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), and U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s (CBP) Border Patrol.
Gerardo Garza-Montenegro, 34, from Pharr, Texas, was sentenced by Senior U.S. District Judge John D. Rainey to 108 months imprisonment to be followed by four years of supervised release. Garza-Montenegro pleaded guilty to the charges April 20.
In July 2014, Garza-Montenegro approached the Border Patrol checkpoint near Falfurrias, Texas, driving a Cadillac Deville. A service canine alerted to the presence of narcotics in Garza-Montenegro’s vehicle. He was referred to secondary inspection where Border Patrol agents discovered more than five kilograms (11 lbs.) of methamphetamine concealed within two fire extinguishers in his vehicle’s trunk. Laboratory analysis determined the methamphetamine had a purity level of more than 99 percent.
“Anyone contemplating trafficking in illegal drugs should ask themselves if they are prepared to forfeit their freedom for years to come when caught,” said Brian M. Moskowitz, special agent in charge of HSI Houston. “The work done by U.S. Border Patrol and HSI special agents in this case clearly shows that any financial reward is simply not worth the risk.”
In federal custody since his arrest, Garza-Montenegro will remain in custody pending transfer to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility to be designated in the near future.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Lance Watt, Southern District of Texas, prosecuted this case.
Updated: