Braulio Reyes, Meth Trafficking, Texas 2021

A brazen attempt to smuggle a large quantity of methamphetamine into the United States through the Eagle Pass Port of Entry has landed a Mexican national behind bars.

Braulio Reyes, 27, of Agujita, Coahuila, Mexico, was sentenced in a federal court in Del Rio to 235 months in prison for conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine.

According to court documents, Reyes attempted to enter the United States through the pedestrian lane of the Eagle Pass Port of Entry on November 12, 2020. Customs and Border Protection Officers discovered that Reyes had several packages strapped to his waist, containing 3.45 kgs of methamphetamine hydrochloride with a purity level of 100%.

Reyes pleaded guilty on February 26, 2021, facing a federal prison term of 10 years to life and a maximum fine of $10,000. U.S. Attorney Jaime Esparza of the Western District of Texas made the announcement.

Homeland Security Investigations investigated the case, and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Rex Beasley and Holly Pavlinski prosecuted the case.

The severe punishment handed down to Reyes serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of attempting to smuggle large quantities of illicit substances into the United States. As law enforcement continues to crack down on drug trafficking, it is essential that individuals like Reyes understand the gravity of their actions.

Reyes’ case highlights the importance of vigilance at our nation’s borders and the need for continued cooperation between law enforcement agencies to combat the scourge of drug trafficking.