LAREDO, Texas – A 44-year-old Channelview resident has been convicted of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute meth, announced U.S. Attorney Jennifer B. Lowery.
Juan Jose Grande-Rivas pleaded guilty to the conspiracy charge today.
The investigation began after authorities identified a refrigerated trailer carrying narcotics that had been taken to a local trucking yard. Grande-Rivas later arrived at the location, hitched up the trailer and departed. Law enforcement maintained constant surveillance throughout Texas, Oklahoma and into a residential neighborhood in Kansas City, Kansas. There, he parked the trailer at an empty lot and left.
Law enforcement took him into custody a few miles away. At the time of his arrest, he was in possession of $30,000. He admitted he knew there were drugs in the trailer.
Upon searching the vehicle, authorities ultimately uncovered approximately 703 kilograms of meth within the foam insulation of the trailer.
A sentencing date will be set at a later date. At that time, Grande-Rivas faces a minimum of 10 years and up to life in prison.
He has been and will remain in custody pending that hearing.
Homeland Security Investigations conducted the investigation with the assistance of Customs and Border Protection and Border Patrol. Assistant U.S. Attorney José Angel Moreno prosecuted the case.