Ernesto Diaz-Velazquez, Trafficking Meth, Texas 2022

Trafficking 'Ice' in Laredo Yields 84 Months in Prison

LAREDO, Texas - A 40-year-old Texan has been sentenced to 84 months in federal prison for his role in a large-scale methamphetamine trafficking operation tied to the Michoacan Cartel.

U.S. District Judge Marina Garcia Marmolejo handed down the sentence to Ernesto Diaz-Velazquez, who pleaded guilty to conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute approximately 19 kilograms of meth on December 6, 2022.

The court heard additional evidence that Diaz-Velazquez trafficked meth 'ice' in the city of Laredo, and the high-purity of the meth and its connection to the Michoacan Cartel were noted as factors in the sentencing decision.

On September 5, 2017, authorities launched an investigation into suspected drug trafficking across the local port of entry, which led to Diaz-Velazquez as the individual who took possession of approximately 18.58 kilograms of pure meth at a local store parking lot. The meth was received in liquid form.

The investigation revealed that the Michoacan Cartel was the ultimate source of the drug supply. Diaz-Velazquez was permitted to remain on bond and will voluntarily surrender to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility in the near future.

The Drug Enforcement Administration conducted the investigation with assistance from the Laredo Police Department as part of an OCDETF operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Francisco J. Rodriguez is prosecuting the case.

Mandatory facts: Defendant's full name - Ernesto Diaz-Velazquez; Exact criminal charges - conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute approximately 19 kilograms of meth; City and state - Laredo, Texas; Exact date - December 6, 2022 (sentencing); Sentence or outcome - 84 months in federal prison.

Source: https://www.justice.gov/usao-sdtx/pr/forney-resident-sentenced-trafficking-ice-michoacan-cartel