Christian Allen Garcia, Methamphetamine Trafficking, North Carolina 2021

CHARLOTTE, NC – In a major blow to the methamphetamine trade in Western North Carolina, Christian Allen Garcia, 30, of West Covina, California, has been sentenced to 10 years in prison for his role in the operation. U.S. District Judge Max O. Cogburn Jr. handed down the sentence on Wednesday.

Garcia was found guilty of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine and possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. The crimes date back to 2018, when law enforcement identified Garcia as a member of a drug trafficking organization responsible for distributing bulk quantities of narcotics in the Western North Carolina region, including the greater Charlotte area.

On March 27, 2018, police conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle in which Garcia was a passenger. During the stop, officers recovered nearly a kilogram of methamphetamine from the rear passenger seat. Garcia was also found to be in possession of a loaded firearm in his pants pocket.

The investigation, led by the DEA and CMPD, uncovered a web of illicit activity involving the distribution of narcotics and the laundering of proceeds. Bank transaction receipts were found in the vehicle, totaling over $75,000 in drug proceeds.

Garcia pleaded guilty to the charges on July 8, 2021, and was subsequently sentenced to 120 months in prison. He will also serve five years of supervised release following his prison term.

Collao, Garcia’s co-defendant, was previously sentenced to 151 months in prison for his role in the drug trafficking scheme. The case serves as a reminder of the ongoing efforts by law enforcement to disrupt and dismantle the methamphetamine trade in our region.

The investigation was conducted by the DEA and CMPD, with Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher Hess prosecuting the case.

Mandatory Facts:

Defendant: Christian Allen Garcia
Criminal Charges: conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine and possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine
City and State: Charlotte, North Carolina
Exact Date: March 27, 2018 (traffic stop), July 8, 2021 (plea), and [sentencing date]
Sentence: 120 months in prison, 5 years of supervised release
Dollar Amounts: $75,000 in drug proceeds

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