Franklin County Man Trafficking Kilograms of Methamphetamine Sentenced to 25 Years

WILMINGTON, N.C. – Olegario Pineda-Palacios, age 35, was sentenced to 300 months in prison for importing multi-kilograms of methamphetamine into North Carolina. On March 12, 2024, Pineda-Palacios pled guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of a substance containing methamphetamine, possession with the intent to distribute 500 grams or more of a substance containing methamphetamine, and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.

“This sentence underscores the destructive impact that drugs, like the methamphetamine Pineda was distributing, has on the community,” said Cardell T. Morant, Special Agent in Charge of U.S. Homeland Security Investigations Charlotte that covers North and South Carolina. “HSI and our law enforcement partners have an unwavering commitment to find, arrest and prosecute those involved in trafficking these dangerous drugs in our communities.” 

According to court documents and other information presented in court, Pineda-Palacios was coordinating with individuals in Mexico to receive shipments of methamphetamine in Franklin County. After locating a shipment containing approximately four kilograms of methamphetamine, in September 2022, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office (FCSO), and the State Bureau of Investigations (SBI) executed a search warrant at Pineda-Palacios’ residence. On the property behind the residence, law enforcement discovered a clandestine conversion methamphetamine lab – in which Pineda-Palacios would convert powder methamphetamine into crystal methamphetamine (“Ice”). Law enforcement also recovered a 9mm firearm and additional methamphetamine from inside of the residence.

Pineda-Palacios has prior felony convictions for conspiracy to traffic cocaine, conspiracy to traffic methamphetamine, operating a vehicle containing a secret compartment, possession of methamphetamine with the intent to distribute, and illegal reentry of a previously deported alien. Pineda-Palacios is in the country illegally and faces deportation after serving his sentence.

Michael F. Easley, Jr., U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina made the announcement after sentencing by Chief U.S. District Judge Richard E. Myers II. HSI, the FCSO, and the SBI investigated the case and Assistant U.S. Attorney Casey Peaden prosecuted the case.

Related court documents and information can be found on the website of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina or on PACER by searching for Case No. 5:23-CR-0041.