Juan Carlos Castillo-Cantu, Meth Trafficking, Texas 2019

A 42-year-old Mexican national, Juan Carlos Castillo-Cantu, has been sentenced to federal prison for his role in attempting to smuggle a large quantity of methamphetamine into the United States.

According to U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Patrick, Castillo-Cantu pleaded guilty to conspiracy with intent to distribute meth on October 2, 2019.

On July 17, 2019, Castillo-Cantu drove a Dodge Ram pickup truck to the Lincoln-Juarez Bridge Port of Entry in Laredo, Texas, where a K-9 unit alerted to the presence of narcotics. A subsequent x-ray examination revealed anomalies in all four tires, leading authorities to remove 24 bundles of meth from aftermarket compartments in the wheels.

The drugs, which had a net weight of 69.7 kilograms, tested positive for meth at a purity level of 98%. Castillo-Cantu was to be paid $5,000 to drive the narcotics-laden truck to Dallas, where he would receive specific instructions for the final delivery of the vehicle.

Castillo-Cantu was also expected to recruit other drivers, but they backed out at the last minute. Immigration and Customs Enforcement's Homeland Security Investigations and Customs and Border Protection conducted the investigation, while Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael Bukiewicz prosecuted the case.

On [no specific date mentioned in the source], U.S. District Judge Marina Garcia Marmolejo ordered Castillo-Cantu to prison for a total of 96 months. As a non-U.S. citizen, he is expected to face removal proceedings following the sentence.

The case serves as a reminder of the ongoing threat of methamphetamine trafficking in the United States and the importance of continued vigilance by law enforcement agencies.

Source: https://www.justice.gov/usao-sdtx/pr/mexican-national-headed-prison-attempting-smuggle-meth