ALPINE, Texas – A brazen attempt to smuggle deadly drugs across the border landed Cherakee Lee Perez, 32, of Presidio County, in federal court Thursday. Perez now faces serious charges related to importing and possessing methamphetamine and fentanyl with intent to distribute, according to a Department of Justice announcement.
The scheme unraveled at the Presidio Port of Entry. Despite declaring nothing to report during a routine Customs and Border Protection vehicle inspection, a trained narcotic detection canine quickly flagged something was amiss. A thorough search revealed more than three dozen packages cunningly concealed within the vehicle.
Authorities uncovered a significant haul: 29 packages containing approximately 4.5 kilograms of methamphetamine and 13 packages packed with a staggering seven kilograms of fentanyl. Both substances are known for their high potency and contribute to the escalating overdose crisis gripping the nation. The street value of this quantity of drugs is substantial, though authorities have not yet released an estimate.
Cherakee Lee Perez is charged with one count of possession with intent to deliver methamphetamine and fentanyl, and one count of importation of methamphetamine and fentanyl. She made her initial appearance in court on January 17 before U.S. Magistrate Judge David B. Fannin of the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Texas. She has yet to enter a plea.
U.S. Attorney Jaime Esparza of the Western District of Texas and Special Agent in Charge Francisco B. Burrola of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) El Paso Division jointly announced the indictment. HSI is leading the investigation, with Assistant U.S. Attorney Scott Greenbaum handling the prosecution. This case highlights the ongoing efforts to disrupt the flow of illicit drugs into the United States.
It’s crucial to remember that an indictment is not a finding of guilt. Cherakee Lee Perez, like all defendants, is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. Grimy Times will continue to follow this case as it progresses through the federal system, bringing you the unvarnished truth from the courtroom.
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Key Facts
- State: Texas
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Drug Trafficking
- Source: Official Source ↗
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