Eleazar Vilchiz Alonso, Methamphetamine Smuggling, Texas 2024
LAREDO, Texas - A 62-year-old Mexican national has been convicted for attempting to smuggle a massive amount of pure methamphetamine into the United States.
On January 10, Eleazar Vilchiz Alonso applied for entry into the country at the Lincoln-Juarez Bridge in Laredo while on board a commercial bus.
At primary inspection, law enforcement discovered several dozen jars of lard in his luggage. As part of an agricultural inspection, authorities discovered a sandy substance within the lard which tested positive for methamphetamine.
Law enforcement recovered a total of 48 jars in several suitcases. Alonso stated he was going to deliver them to an address in Houston.
Laboratory analysis later confirmed the substance in the jars was 100% pure crystal meth or 'ice' totaling 63.85 kilograms with a value of more than $1.29 million.
U.S. District Judge Marina Garcia Marmolejo will impose sentencing on July 9, at which time Alonso faces up to life in federal prison and a possible $10 million maximum fine for each count.
Alonso has been and will remain in custody pending the hearing.
The case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations with the assistance of Customs and Border Protection Office of Field Operations. Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Terence Andrew Check Jr. prosecuted the case.
Alonso, a Mexican national, was charged with attempting to smuggle over $1.2 million worth of pure methamphetamine into the United States.
His crime carries severe penalties, with a possible life sentence in federal prison and a maximum fine of $10 million.
Key Facts
- State: Texas
- Category: Drug Trafficking
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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