Rosalva Reyna-Llamas, Methamphetamine Conspiracy, Texas 2013

Methamphetamine Conspiracy Rocks Laredo, Texas

Rosalva Reyna-Llamas, a 30-year-old woman from Monterrey, Mexico, has been found guilty on all counts of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute, possession with intent to distribute, and importation of methamphetamine. The verdict was delivered by a jury in Laredo, Texas, yesterday.

According to the evidence presented in court, Reyna-Llamas was arrested on February 2, 2013, at the Gateway to the Americas Bridge International Port of Entry Bridge I in Laredo. She was driving a blue Mazda CX-7 SUV with State of Nuevo Leon, Mexico, registration. During a Customs and Border Protection (CBP) inspection, an officer discovered nine bundles of methamphetamine weighing 18.24 kilograms hidden in after-market compartments in the side rocker panels of the vehicle.

Reyna-Llamas initially denied knowledge of the presence of the methamphetamine, claiming the car was hers and that she wanted to stay in Laredo. However, when questioned by agents with Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), she then claimed the car was purchased for her and that she intended to go to Dallas to pick up luggage for the person who bought her the vehicle.

Agents testified that Reyna-Llamas had plane tickets and a crossing history in her possession demonstrating she had made a flight from Houston to Monterrey the previous day. This contradictory testimony raised suspicions and ultimately led to her conviction.

U.S. District Judge Diana Saldana, who presided over the two-day trial, will set sentencing at a later date. At that time, Reyna-Llamas faces a minimum of 10 years and up to life in federal prison as well as a possible $10 million fine. Reyna-Llamas has been detained since her arrest on February 2, 2013, where she will remain pending that hearing.

The case was investigated by HSI and CBP. Assistant United States Attorneys Roberto F. Ramirez and Sanjeev Bhasker prosecuted the case. The conviction sends a strong message to those involved in methamphetamine trafficking, highlighting the determination of law enforcement agencies to combat this serious crime.

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