McALLEN, Texas – A 53-year-old naturalized citizen residing in Mexico has pleaded guilty to importing nearly 91 pounds of meth from Mexico, announced U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani.
On April 30, Manuel Ignacio Ley Villa approached the Hidalgo port of entry driving a maroon Chrysler Pacifica. Law enforcement noticed he appeared nervous and referred him to secondary inspection. There, an x-ray inspection revealed anomalies within the vehicle’s fuel tank.
Upon further investigation, law enforcement discovered a fuel tank filled with a liquid material which crystalized upon contact with the floor. The weight of the liquid meth was approximately 41.14 kilograms and had an estimated street value of $810,000.
U.S. District Judge Micaela Alvarez accepted the plea and set sentencing for Feb. 13, 2024. At that time, Ley Villa faces up to life in federal prison and a possible $10 million maximum fine.
He has been and will remain in custody pending sentencing.
Homeland Security Investigations conducted the investigation with the assistance of Customs and Border Protection. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jose A. Garcia is prosecuting the case.