Mexican National Jailed for Massive Methamphetamine Conspiracy

A federal court in Illinois has convicted a Mexican national in a massive methamphetamine conspiracy case.

Pablo Orlando Rivera-Pachecho, a Mexican national, has pleaded guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and to distribute over 10 kilograms of methamphetamine, announced United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, Donald S. Boyce.

According to court records, Rivera-Pachecho faces a maximum sentence of life imprisonment, a $10 million fine, no less than five years of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment fee.

The evidence used to secure the conviction was gathered through an investigation led by the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF), a collaborative effort between federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies.

Participating agencies in the case include the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigations, the Illinois State Police, and the Fontana, California Police Department.

The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Monica A. Stump.

In a statement, Boyce commended the law enforcement agencies for their tireless efforts in dismantling large-scale national and international drug trafficking organizations.

Rivera-Pachecho is currently being held in federal custody pending sentencing, scheduled for January 27, 2017, at 11:00 A.M. before the Honorable Michael J. Reagan, United States District Judge.

The conviction marks a significant blow to the illicit methamphetamine trade in the region, and serves as a reminder of the severe consequences associated with involvement in large-scale narcotics trafficking.