Mexican National Quiroz-Salto Sentenced to 20 Years for Church Meth Deal

HOUSTON – In a harsh blow to drug trafficking operations in Texas, 41-year-old Mexican national Eustorgio Quiroz-Salto was sentenced to 240 months in federal prison for his role in a massive methamphetamine conspiracy.

The sentence, handed down by U.S. District Judge Alfred H. Bennett, comes after Quiroz-Salto pleaded guilty on July 11, 2024, to distributing 116 kilograms of the illegal substance and unlawfully possessing ammunition and multiple weapons.

Quiroz-Salto’s criminal saga began with prior convictions for cocaine trafficking in Florida in 2011. His latest transgression involved arranging the delivery of over 20 kilograms of methamphetamine, known as ‘ice’, in a church parking lot in Crosby. Authorities seized the drugs along with an additional 93.5 kilograms from his residence, 12 firearms, a silencer, and 351 rounds of ammunition.

Special Agent in Charge Jonathan C. Pullen of the DEA Houston Division emphasized the severity of the crime: ‘He was caught in the act, selling deadly drugs near a place of worship, and now he’ll spend two decades behind bars.’

In addition to Quiroz-Salto’s sentence, his weapons and ammunition were ordered forfeited. U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei commented on the importance of removing dangerous individuals: ‘Public safety begins with taking the most dangerous recidivists off the street.’

Quiroz-Salto had previously been removed from the United States in 2007 and 2008 but returned illegally. He will now face removal proceedings following his imprisonment. His co-conspirator, Manuel Varjas Corona, also faces a life sentence after pleading guilty to his role.

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