Chavero, Meth Importation, Texas 2021

A 50-year-old Alton resident has admitted to his role in a meth importation case in Texas.

On April 22, 2021, Argelio Chavero drove a Chevrolet Trailblazer into Mexico from the United States with Agustin Romero Jr. in the passenger seat. They returned two days later, with Chavero entering the country through the Hidalgo port of entry pedestrian lane while driving the Trailblazer, which was loaded with narcotics.

Upon entry, authorities referred him and the vehicle to secondary inspection, where they discovered anomalies in the fuel tank area. A physical search resulted in the seizure of 33 packages of meth and marijuana, with the weight of the meth estimated at approximately 12 kilograms and a street value of approximately $70,000.

Further investigation led to the identification of Chavero, who has been in custody pending the case.

U.S. District Judge Marina G. Marmolejo accepted Chavero’s plea today, while U.S. District Judge Ricardo H. Hinojosa will impose sentencing on May 25. Chavero faces a mandatory minimum of 10 years and up to life in prison and a possible $250,000 maximum fine.

Chavero’s co-defendant, Romero, a 40-year-old U.S. citizen residing in Reynosa, Tamaulipas, Mexico, previously pleaded guilty for his role in the case. He admitted to receiving payment from Chavero to drive the vehicle.

Homeland Security Investigations conducted the investigation with the assistance of Customs and Border Protection. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Colton Turner and Eliza Rodriguez are prosecuting the case.

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