Yatziri Barboza, Meth Smuggling, Texas 2024

A 24-year-old Houston woman has been caught red-handed in a brazen attempt to smuggle liquid meth into the country. Yatziri Barboza, 24, pleaded guilty to conspiring to import $300,000 of meth into the United States.

On March 6, 2024, Barboza arrived at the Juarez–Lincoln International Bridge in Laredo driving a Volkswagen Touareg. Law enforcement conducted an X-ray inspection of her vehicle and noticed an anomaly in the gas tank.

They removed the gas tank and found a compartment containing 57.46 kilograms of meth in liquid form. The narcotics have an estimated street value of approximately $300,000.

According to the investigation, Barboza’s actions were a clear threat to public safety and national security. Homeland Security Investigations conducted the investigation with the assistance of Customs and Border Protection.

Assistant U.S. Attorney David Fawcett is prosecuting the case. U.S. District Judge Marina Garcia Marmolejo will set sentencing for a later date, at which time Barboza faces a minimum of 10 years and up to life in prison. She was taken into custody pending that hearing.

Barboza’s plea deal marks a significant victory for law enforcement agencies in their ongoing efforts to combat the flow of illicit substances into the country. The case highlights the creative methods used by smugglers to evade detection and the importance of vigilant border control.

The exact date of sentencing has not been determined, but it is expected to be scheduled in the coming weeks. Barboza’s fate will be decided by Judge Marmolejo, who will take into account the severity of her crimes and the potential impact on her victims.

As the investigation unfolds, it is clear that Barboza’s actions have had far-reaching consequences. Her guilty plea serves as a warning to others who would seek to engage in similar activities.

Related Federal Cases