Carlos Castro-Noriega, Heroin Trafficking, Texas 2016

State: Texas
Category: Drug Trafficking
Source: <a href="https://www.justice.gov/usao-ndtx/pr/heroin-traffickers-sentenced-0" style="color:#cc0000;" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">DOJ Press Release ÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â‚¬Â Ã¢â‚¬â€

Amarillo, Texas — A couple arrested earlier this year after a traffic stop in Carson County, Texas, and then found to have 3,825 grams of heroin in bundles in a suitcase in the cargo section of their vehicle, have been sentenced.

Carlos Castro-Noriega, 34, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Sidney A. Fitzwater to 63 months in federal prison. Last month, Judge Fitzwater sentenced Cristina Melissa Gomez, 24, to 46 months in federal prison. Each pleaded guilty to one count of possession with intent to distribute one kilogram or more of heroin and aiding and abetting.

According to documents filed in the case, on February 9, 2016, a Trooper with the Texas Department of Public Safety stopped a 2015 white Jeep Grand Cherokee rental vehicle, with a California registration, for speeding and driving in the left lane when not passing. Gomez was the driver and Castro-Noriega was in the front passenger seat.

While speaking with Gomez, the Trooper observed several indicators of criminal activity and could smell burnt marijuana coming from the front of the vehicle.

While conducting a probable cause search of the vehicle, the Trooper located eight bundles of a brownish-white powdery substance inside of a suitcase located in the Jeep’s rear cargo area. Subsequent testing confirmed the substance as 3,825 grams of heroin. The Trooper also located 18.2 grams of marijuana in the vehicle.

The case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Texas Department of Public Safety and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Homeland Security Investigations. Assistant U.S. Attorney Sean Taylor prosecuted.

Castro-Noriega and Gomez are now serving time in federal prison for their roles in the heroin trafficking operation. This serves as a reminder of the ongoing efforts to combat drug trafficking in Texas and the consequences for those who engage in this activity.

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