Sixto Margarito Riojas-Menchaca, Meth Smuggling, Texas 2022

Mexican National Sentenced to 12 Years in Prison for Smuggling Meth into the United States

In a federal court in Del Rio, Texas, a Mexican national was sentenced to 144 months in prison with credit for time served for one count of conspiracy to import more than 500 grams of methamphetamine.

Sixto Margarito Riojas-Menchaca, 42, and codefendant Marcelo Fabian Rodriguez-Suarez were referred to a secondary inspection as they entered the Eagle Pass Port of Entry. Customs and Border Protection officer (CPBO) noticed two fire extinguishers under the back seat of the vehicle. The officer had seen the same Mexican brand fire extinguisher in prior seizures. A K-9 gave a positive alert to the back seat of the vehicle on the driver’s side.

Inside the fire extinguishers office several vacuum-sealed bags and packages containing a white crystal like substance. The substances tested positive for 4.54 kilograms of heroin and 7.88 kilograms of methamphetamine.

The two men were taken into federal custody and charged with four counts related to the importation of heroin and methamphetamine.

Riojas-Menchaca pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to import more than 500 grams of methamphetamine in April 2022. Rodriguez-Suarez pleaded guilty in January 2023 and currently awaits sentencing, scheduled for October 28.

U.S. Attorney Jaime Esparza of the Western District of Texas made the announcement.

Homeland Security Investigations and CBP investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Timothy Markovits prosecuted the case.

Defendant: Sixto Margarito Riojas-Menchaca

Criminal Charges: Conspiracy to import more than 500 grams of methamphetamine

City and State: Del Rio, Texas

Date: April 2022 (sentencing)

Sentence: 144 months in prison with credit for time served

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