Santos Rene Deleon, Meth Trafficking, Texas 2019

San Antonio Man Sentenced for Trafficking Meth

LAREDO, Texas - Santos Rene Deleon, a 40-year-old resident of San Antonio, has been ordered to prison following his conviction of conspiring to import approximately two kilograms of methamphetamine, announced U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Patrick.

Deleon pleaded guilty to the crime on July 3, 2019.

Today, U.S. District Judge Marina Garcia Marmolejo handed Deleon an 87-month sentence to be immediately followed by three years of supervised release. At the hearing, the court noted Deleon had a lengthy criminal history and had stated he was trafficking drugs to pay off a debt.

On April 17, 2019, Deleon entered the United States through the Laredo port of entry as the passenger in a 2000 red Dodge Durango. Authorities soon discovered approximately 1.98 kilograms of methamphetamine inside the vehicle's driveshaft.

Deleon admitted he knowingly imported the drugs into the United States from Mexico with the intent to deliver them to San Antonio. He expected to be paid $3,000.

The drugs had an estimated street value of $14,000.

Deleon will remain in custody pending transfer to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future.

The investigation was conducted by Immigration and Customs Enforcement's Homeland Security Investigations and Customs and Border Protection. Assistant U.S. Attorney Francisco J. Rodriguez prosecuted the case.

According to the U.S. Attorney, Deleon's lengthy criminal history and the severity of the crime warranted the 87-month sentence.

Deleon's conviction and sentencing serve as a reminder of the severe consequences of drug trafficking in the United States.

Source: https://www.justice.gov/usao-sdtx/pr/texas-man-sentenced-trafficking-meth