FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE	CONTACT: Lauren Horwood
April 1, 2011	PHONE: (916) 554-2706
www.usdoj.gov/usao/cae	usacae.edcapress@usdoj.gov
Docket #: 1:08-cr-00134-AWI

FRESNO, Calif. — United States Attorney Benjamin B. Wagner and Acting Special Agent in Charge Shane Folden of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement's (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) announced today that Leovardo Zuniga Gomez, 43, of Canby, Ore., was sentenced to nine years in federal prison for possessing with intent to distribute10 pounds of crystal methamphetamine and 1 kilogram of cocaine.

The case stems from an intensive Organized Crime and Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) investigation that initially targeted drug dealers in Porterville and Terra Bella, Calif. According to court documents and proceedings, the OCDETF investigation led to a stash house in Visalia, where Zuniga obtained the drugs for shipment to Oregon. In sentencing Zuniga, Chief U.S. District Judge Anthony W. Ishii remarked that this is "a serious offense" and cited the need for "adequate deterrence." Judge Ishii also rejected an argument by Zuniga's attorney that his role as a courier was minor and stated that "drug dealers do not entrust this quantity of drugs to total strangers."

"This joint enforcement effort resulted in the break up of a criminal organization responsible for distributing large quantities of dangerous drugs here in the southern San Joaquin Valley," said Michael Toms, resident agent in charge for ICE HSI in Bakersfield. "This sentence serves as a harsh reminder about the consequences awaiting those whose illegal activities put the safety and welfare of our communities at risk."

The OCDETF investigation was led by DHSI with assistance from the Southern Tri-County High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) task force, consisting o f agents from ICE HSI, California Bureau of Narcotic Enforcement (BNE), Kern County Sheriff's Office, Bakersfield Police Department, and Tulare County Sheriff's Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Karen Escobar prosecuted the case.

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