LAREDO, Texas – A Houston woman has been caught attempting to smuggle a massive shipment of methamphetamine into the United States, disguised as aloe vera jugs.
Evelyn Fabiola Ramirez, 28, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to import 40.5 kilograms of methamphetamine, announced U.S. Attorney Jennifer B. Lowery.
According to court documents, on April 3, Ramirez attempted to enter the United States from Mexico driving an SUV at the Lincoln Juarez Bridge Port of Entry in Laredo. She was carrying several jugs which she claimed was aloe vera.
Authorities referred her to secondary inspection after it appeared someone had tampered with the lids and due to the unusual color of the liquid.
There, they opened one of the jugs and inspected the liquid. It tested positive for meth and weighed 40.5 kilograms.
Ramirez admitted that someone hired her to move the drugs into the country. She was told to bring her children along for the ride to make the trip look legitimate. Ramirez was given $500 for expenses and traveled to Nuevo Laredo, Mexico, to pick up the narcotics. She believed she would be paid $3,000 to move the narcotics.
She actually thought she was transporting cocaine.
Ramirez has been in custody, but could be released upon posting bond. Sentencing will be determined at a later date, at which time she faces a minimum of 10 years and up to life in prison and a possible $10 million maximum fine.
Homeland Security Investigations conducted the investigation with the assistance of Customs and Border Protection. Assistant U.S. Attorney Paul A. Harrison is prosecuting the case.
Related Federal Cases
Key Facts
- State: Texas
- Category: Drug Trafficking
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
ðŸâ€Â’ Get the grimiest stories delivered weekly. Subscribe free →
MORE FEDERAL CRIME NEWS
Drug TraffickingDrug TraffickingDrug TraffickingDrug Trafficking