A shocking case of methamphetamine smuggling has come to light in the south Texas city of Laredo, where a 40-year-old man has pleaded guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute the highly addictive and destructive substance.
Jesus Gabriel Vara-Perez, a Laredo resident, conspired with others to deliver fire extinguishers containing approximately 24 kilograms of methamphetamine to Atlanta, Georgia, between October 10 and 26, 2016.
According to court documents, Vara-Perez received $8,000 for his participation in the methamphetamine transportation. The drugs had a combined estimated street value of more than $320,000.
Vara-Perez was arrested in Laredo on September 23, 2020, at which time he was in possession of more fire extinguishers containing an additional 17 kilograms of methamphetamine.
The investigation was conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration, and Assistant U.S. Attorney José Angel Moreno is prosecuting the case.
U.S. District Judge Marina Garcia Marmolejo will impose sentencing at a later date yet to be determined. At that time, Vara-Perez faces up to life in prison and a possible $10 million maximum fine.
He was taken into custody pending that hearing. The guilty plea marks a significant victory in the ongoing fight against methamphetamine trafficking in the United States.
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- Reyes, Aren Meth Trafficking Texas 2017 · Texas
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Key Facts
- State: Texas
- Category: Drug Trafficking
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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