Mexican Visa Holder Convicted in $650K Meth Smuggling Plot

LAREDO, Texas – The grimy details of a major drug conspiracy were laid bare as Ana Maria Pena Gutierrez, a 53-year-old Mexican national, was convicted on charges of trafficking approximately $650,000 worth of meth. U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani announced the conviction after a swift two-hour jury deliberation.

In a harrowing trial that spanned just two days, Pena Gutierrez was found guilty of both counts as charged. Her downfall began when she was caught with 60 kilograms of meth at the Laredo port of entry on February 25, 2021, after hiring and paying a driver to transport the drugs across the border.

The jury was presented with evidence of irregular financial activities, including Pena Gutierrez’s own bank records, which pointed to her involvement in the conspiracy. An expert in financial records detailed these inconsistencies during the trial.

Law enforcement officials described Pena Gutierrez’s confession and the entire drug conspiracy, painting a chilling picture of organized crime at work. The jury was told that approximately 100 kilograms of meth could be attributed to Pena, with an estimated street value of $650,000. Despite her attempts to claim ignorance, the jury did not believe her and found her guilty as charged.

U.S. District Judge Diana Saldana will determine sentencing at a later date, where Pena Gutierrez faces up to life in prison and a possible fine of $10 million. As a visa holder, she could also be subject to removal proceedings.

The investigation was conducted by Homeland Security Investigations, with Assistant U.S. Attorneys Matthew Isaac and Jose Angel Moreno handling the prosecution.