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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE |
May 18 , 2009
DETERGENT BOX WAS FULL OF METHAMPHETAMINE
KANSAS CITY, KAN. – Carlos Beltran-Aguilar, 22, Kansas City, Mo., has been convicted of drug trafficking, U.S. Attorney Lanny Welch said today.
A federal jury convicted Beltran-Aguilar on one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine, one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, and one count of maintaining a residence at 1118 N. 50th Street in Kansas City, Kan., for the purpose of drug trafficking.
Evidence presented at trial showed that from July 2008 through September 2008 Beltran-Aguilar and others conspired to distribute methamphetamine in the Kansas City, Kan. metro area. On Aug. 27, 2008, investigators saw Beltran-Aguilar and co-defendant Jose Torres-Garcia arrive in a Jeep and enter 1118 North 50th in Kansas City, Kan. About an hour later, the two men left the residence. They went to a Dollar General store on State Avenue, purchased a large box of Gain laundry detergent, and returned to the house. Soon after, Beltran-Aguilar and Torres-Garcia left the house in a black Honda. Investigators stopped the car near Mound City. They discovered about 2 pounds of methamphetamine wrapped in green cellophane and concealed in the laundry detergent box. A search of 1118 North 50th turned up $18,000 in cash, a 9mm handgun and various items used in processing methamphetamine.
Sentencing is set for Aug. 25, 2009. He faces a penalty of not less than 10 years and not more than life and a fine up to $4 million on the conspiracy charge, a penalty of not less than 10 years and not more than life and a fine up to $4 million on the possession charge, and maximum penalty of 20 years and a fine up to $500,000 on the charge of maintaining a residence in furtherance of drug trafficking.
Among the other defendants:
Jose Torres-Garcia was sentenced to 120 months.
Jose Viera is set for sentencing July 21, 2009.
Perla Flores is set for sentencing June 30, 2009.
Jose Antonio Beltran-Salazar is awaiting trial.
Roberto Quinonez-Quintero is awaiting trail.
The case was an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force operation code named Black Ice. Welch commended the Drug Enforcement Administration, Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Assistant U.S. Attorney Sheri McCracken for their work on the case.
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