LAREDO, Texas – A 33-year-old Mexican national has been charged with attempting to import over 400 kilograms of meth, announced U.S. Attorney Jennifer B. Lowery.
Today, a federal grand jury has returned a two-count indictment against Luis Alberto Garza Cisneros. He is expected to appear for his arraignment before a U.S. magistrate judge in the near future.
The complaint originally filed in the case alleges that on May 6, Cisneros attempted to enter the country through the World Trade Bridge Port of Entry while driving a tractor trailer.
Law enforcement referred the vehicle to secondary inspection, at which time an X-ray allegedly revealed anomalies. They conducted a search and allegedly discovered approximately 413.98 kilograms of meth in 24 five-gallon buckets inside of the tractor’s diesel tanks, according to the charges.
The drugs have an estimated street value of approximately $18 million.
If convicted, Cisneros faces up to life in prison and a possible $10 million maximum fine.
Homeland Security Investigations conducted the investigation with assistance of Customs and Border Protection. Assistant U.S. Attorney Brian Bajew is prosecuting the case.
An indictment is a formal accusation of criminal conduct, not evidence. A defendant is presumed innocent unless convicted through due process of law.