A 37-year-old Mexican national was sentenced to 60 months in federal prison for attempting to smuggle methamphetamine and a firearm into Mexico.
Jose Miguel Lazarin-Zurita, 37, pleaded guilty to one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and one count of attempting to export to Mexico a rifle and several firearm-related accessories without a license.
On January 27, 2021, Lazarin-Zurita attempted to cross into Mexico at the U.S. Port of Entry in Presidio. While inspecting the defendant’s vehicle, U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers discovered two plastic bags hidden in the engine compartment.
One bag contained 26 grams of methamphetamine; the other, 26 grams of cocaine. Inside the vehicle’s seats, agents found a Kel-Tec PLR-16 rifle, a 60-round capacity drum magazine for 5.56mm ammunition, and two empty 30-round 5.56mm magazines.
‘This case represents the commitment of our law enforcement partners and our prosecutors to thwart smugglers’ attempts to pedal dangerous narcotics and firearms in and out of the country,’ said U.S. Attorney Ashley C. Hoff.
HSI conducted this investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Eduardo R. Mendoza and Fidel Esparza III prosecuted this case.
U.S. Attorney Ashley C. Hoff and Erick P. Breitzke, Special Agent in Charge, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), El Paso Division, made today’s announcement.
Lazarin-Zurita’s sentence was handed down in Alpine, Texas, on March 5, 2021.
Key Facts
- State: Texas
- Category: Drug Trafficking
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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