Ubertino Zavala-Perez, Methamphetamine Importation Conspiracy, Florida 2022

Tampa, Florida – In a major blow to the methamphetamine trade, Ubertino Zavala-Perez, a 59-year-old from Plant City, Florida, has been sentenced to more than 12 years in federal prison for his role in a methamphetamine importation conspiracy.

According to court documents, Zavala-Perez conspired with individuals in Mexico and others to distribute and import methamphetamine from Mexico. The case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Plant City Police Department.

On March 30, 2022, Zavala-Perez sold half a kilogram of methamphetamine imported from Mexico in a controlled purchase for $3,750. Just days later, on April 1, 2022, he agreed to sell one kilogram of methamphetamine in another controlled purchase.

A search of his residence, including a storage shed on the property, revealed two loaded firearms and additional quantities of methamphetamine. The defendant further admitted to storing his methamphetamine in an off-site storage unit and inside a shed located on his residence.

Inside the shed, law enforcement discovered freeze-dried bags containing methamphetamine. After his arrest, Zavala-Perez admitted to receiving methamphetamine from co-conspirators in Mexico and elsewhere in the United States.

Zavala-Perez pleaded guilty on August 31, 2022. U.S. District Judge Steven D. Merryday handed down the sentence of over 12 years in federal prison.

This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney David W.A. Chee.

Source: https://www.justice.gov/usao-mdfl/pr/mexican-national-sentenced-more-12-years-role-methamphetamine-importation-conspiracy