Kern County Drug Courier Sentenced To 10 Years In Prison

FRESNO, Calif. — Juan Carlos Martinez-Carranza, 26, of Delano, was sentenced today by United States District Judge Anthony W. Ishii to 10 years in prison for possessing methamphetamine with intent to distribute it to another person, United States Attorney Benjamin B. Wagner announced.

According to court documents, on February 27, 2013, during a traffic stop, Martinez‑Carranza consented to a search of his vehicle. The officer found approximately six pounds of methamphetamine concealed in the airbag compartment in the dashboard. Martinez-Carranza admitted to the officer that he intended to deliver the drugs to another person. Martinez-Carranza is subject to deportation following the completion of his prison term.

This case was the product of an investigation by the Madera County Narcotics Enforcement Team, the California Highway Patrol, and the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI). Assistant United States Attorney Melanie L. Alsworth prosecuted the case.