LAREDO, Texas – A 19-year-old Laredo resident has been charged for conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute 1.42 kilograms of fentanyl, announced U.S. Attorney Jennifer B. Lowery.
Today, a federal grand jury returned the two-count indictment against Ivan Eleodoro Garcia. He is expected to appear for his arraignment before a U.S. magistrate judge in the near future.
The complaint originally filed in the case alleges that on Sept. 29, Garcia drove a 2014 Ford Taurus sedan into the Border Patrol checkpoint on I-35 north of Laredo. Three, a K-9 unit allegedly alerted law enforcement to the presence of concealed humans or narcotics at the rear of the vehicle.
Authorities conducted a search and allegedly discovered a custom-installed hidden compartment between the trunk and passenger area of the sedan. The charges also allege they discovered 13 bags containing 1.42 kilograms of blue pills. Law enforcement allegedly believed the pills were oxycodone hydrochloride due to an embossed letter M on each pill. However, a field test later revealed the pills were counterfeit and contained fentanyl, according to the charges.
If convicted, Garcia faces up to life in prison and a possible $10 million maximum fine. The Drug Enforcement Administration conducted the investigation with the assistance of Border Patrol. Assistant U.S. Attorney Paul A. Harrison is prosecuting the case.
An indictment is a formal accusation of criminal conduct, not evidence. A defendant is presumed innocent unless convicted through due process of law.
According to the charges, Garcia’s actions demonstrate the devastating consequences of fentanyl trafficking. If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction, there are resources available to help. The National Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration can be reached at 1-800-662-HELP (4357) or www.samhsa.gov.
Remember, #OnePillCanKill.
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Key Facts
- State: Texas
- Category: Drug Trafficking
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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