United States Attorney James T. Jacks
Northern District of Texas

MONDAY, DECEMBER 20, 2010
http://www.usdoj.gov/usao/txn/

LEADER OF PILL “SMURFING” CONSPIRACY
SENTENCED TO 20 YEARS IN FEDERAL PRISON

DALLAS — Joseph Enox, 37, of Wichita Falls, Texas, was sentenced Friday afternoon by U.S. District Judge Barbara M.G. Lynn to the statutory maximum of 240 months in federal prison for his role in a pill “smurfing” conspiracy, announced James T. Jacks of the Northern District of Texas. “Smurfing” is the term used to describe the unlawful practice of making numerous purchases of over-the-counter medication containing pseudoephedrine so that it can be used to manufacture methamphetamine.

Enox pleaded guilty in July 2010 to one count of conspiracy to possess and distribute a “list I chemical” (pseudoephedrine) knowing and having reasonable cause to believe this chemical would be used to manufacture methamphetamine, a controlled substance.

According to documents filed in the case, in 2009, state and federal law enforcement officers began investigating the smurfing of over-the-counter cold and allergy medication containing pseudoephedrine in the Dallas - Fort Worth area. The investigation revealed that several individuals were acquiring the pseudoephedrine in the Dallas area through multiple purchases of over-the-counter medication, which was subsequently given to Enox and another individual, who used it to manufacture the methamphetamine in Wichita Falls, Texas. Pseudoephedrine is an essential chemical to making methamphetamine and Enox would generally pay $50 per box to acquire the pills.

Between 2007 and 2009, Enox was arrested several times with methamphetamine and chemicals and equipment used to manufacture the drug as well as “lab trash,” which is the remnants of chemicals and supplies used to manufacture methamphetamine. In fact, on May 27, 2009, he was arrested with a large quantity of methamphetamine in the liquid and a quantity in the powder form, as well as with lab supplies and equipment used to manufacture the drug.
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The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), the Texas Department of Public Safety and the Wichita County District Attorney’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Gary Tromblay prosecuted.

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