LAREDO, Texas – A Mexican citizen pleaded guilty for attempting to smuggle 140 pounds of pure meth following an investigation conducted by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) with the assistance of U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP).
Eleazar Vilchiz Alonso, 62, pleaded guilty April 2 before U.S. District Judge Marina Garcia Marmolejo.
According to court documents, on Jan. 10, Alonso applied for entry into the United States at the Lincoln-Juarez Bridge in Laredo while on board a commercial bus. At primary inspection, law enforcement discovered several dozen jars of lard in his luggage. As part of an agricultural inspection, authorities discovered a sandy substance within the lard that tested positive for meth. Law enforcement recovered a total of 48 jars in several suitcases. Alonso stated he was going to deliver them to an address in Houston. Laboratory analysis later confirmed the substance in the jars was 100% pure crystal meth, or “ice,” totaling 63.85 kilograms with a value of more than $1.29 million.
Judge Marmolejo will impose sentencing July 9. At that time, Alonso faces up to life in federal prison and a possible $10 million maximum fine for each count.
Alonso remains in custody pending the hearing.
Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Terence Andrew Check Jr., Southern District of Texas, prosecuted the case.
About HSI
HSI is the principal investigative arm of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS), responsible for investigating transnational crime and threats, specifically those criminal organizations that exploit the global infrastructure through which international trade, travel and finance move. HSI’s workforce of more than 8,700 employees consists of more than 6,000 special agents assigned to 237 cities throughout the United States, and 93 overseas locations in 56 countries. HSI’s international presence represents DHS’ largest investigative law enforcement presence abroad and one of the largest international footprints in U.S. law enforcement.