Related Federal Cases
- Crystal Ann Alaniz, Methamphetamine Distribution Conspiracy, Texas … · Kansas
- Tina Connolly, Methamphetamine Distribution, Texas 2016 · Texas
- Mark Bays, Meth Distribution, W.Va. 2023 · Texas
- Jessica Joyce Spayd, Opioid Distribution Scheme, Anchorage AK, 2019 · Alaska
- Levelland Meth Ring: 10 More Fall · Alabama
Attempted Crystal Meth Distribution Lands Two in Federal Prison
McALLEN, Texas – In a pair of separate cases, two Mexican men have been ordered to federal prison for distributing crystal methamphetamine in the Rio Grande Valley. Arturo Cesar Rodriguez, 30, and Josue Gonzalez-Cardenas, 39, both entered guilty pleas on Feb. 27, 2013.
Gonzalez-Cardenas, of Monclova, Coahuila, Mexico, was sentenced to a total 57 months in federal prison. Rodriguez, of Hurapan, Michoacan, Mexico, was sentenced to 188 months in federal prison, with the judge noting that he was ‘critical’ to the transaction.
Both men are expected to face deportation proceedings following release from prison. Their cases were investigated by the DEA and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Juan Alanis.
In the first case, Gonzalez-Cardenas was indicted along with Jose Cruz Deleon-Vasquez, 47, of San Juan. On Aug. 21, 2012, local law enforcement had conducted a traffic stop on the vehicle Deleon-Vasquez was driving. A subsequent search of the vehicle led to the discovery of a box with two bundles of crystal methamphetamine.
A subsequent analysis of the narcotics revealed the net weight of the crystal methamphetamine was 1.971 kilograms and that the narcotics had a purity level of 93.3%. Deleon-Vasquez is considered a fugitive and a warrant remains outstanding for his arrest.
In the second case, Rodriguez was stopped by law enforcement after he was observed receiving a cardboard box from another individual on Aug. 27, 2012. At that time, Rodriguez attempted to flee from the vehicle but was eventually arrested. The box was determined to contain eight bricks of crystal methamphetamine.
A subsequent analysis of the narcotics revealed that the net weight of the crystal methamphetamine was 8.159 kilograms and the narcotics had a purity level of 98.5%. Rodriguez and Gonzalez-Cardenas will remain in custody pending transfer to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility.
Key Facts
- State: Texas
- Category: Drug Trafficking
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
ðŸâ€Â’ Get the grimiest stories delivered weekly. Subscribe free →
MORE FEDERAL CRIME NEWS
Drug TraffickingDrug TraffickingDrug TraffickingDrug Trafficking