California Man Jailed 12 Years for Massive Meth Haul

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – Walter Alvarez Tirado, age 34, a resident of Chula Vista, California, has been brought to justice for his role in a massive methamphetamine trafficking operation.

Tirado pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1) and 841(b)(1)(A), and was sentenced to 144 months imprisonment, 5 years supervised release, and a $100 mandatory special assessment fee, announced U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans.

According to court documents, on October 6, 2021, Tirado traveled from Kentucky to New Orleans to deliver fifty pounds of methamphetamine. Law enforcement conducted a traffic stop of Tirado’s vehicle in Pearl River, La. Following the stop, officers searched Tirado’s luggage and discovered fifty pounds of methamphetamine.

This case was a major blow to methamphetamine trafficking in the region, and highlights the ongoing efforts of law enforcement to disrupt and dismantle these operations. The investigation was conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Louisiana State Police, with the prosecution handled by Assistant United States Attorney J. Benjamin Myers of the Financial Crimes Unit.

Tirado’s sentence serves as a reminder that those who engage in methamphetamine trafficking will face severe consequences. The DEA and Louisiana State Police continue to work tirelessly to identify and apprehend those involved in these operations, and to bring them to justice.

The impact of methamphetamine trafficking on communities cannot be overstated. It destroys lives, tears families apart, and fuels addiction and violence. The efforts of law enforcement, however, give hope to those struggling with addiction and provide a sense of safety and security to those who live in communities affected by these crimes.