California Man Pleads Guilty to Federal Methamphetamine Trafficking Charge in New Mexico

ALBUQUERQUE – Luis Alexander Garcia, 18, of Santa Ana, Calif., pleaded guilty today in federal court in Albuquerque, N.M., to a methamphetamine trafficking charge under a plea agreement with the U.S. Attorney’s Office.

Garcia was arrested on Dec. 17, 2014, at the Amtrak Train Station in Albuquerque after a consensual search of his baggage by DEA agents revealed that he was carrying approximately 3.65 kilograms of methamphetamine.  According to court documents, agents found four bundles of methamphetamine concealed within Garcia’s luggage.  Garcia was subsequently indicted on Jan. 8, 2015, and charged with possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute on Dec. 17, 2014, in Bernalillo County, N.M.

During today’s proceedings, Garcia pled guilty to the indictment.  Garcia admitted that he was transporting methamphetamine on the Amtrak train and that he intended to deliver the drugs to another person.

At sentencing, Garcia faces a statutory maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison followed by not less than three years of supervised release.  A sentencing hearing has yet to be scheduled.

 This case was investigated by the Interdiction Unit of the DEA’s Albuquerque office which focuses on disrupting the flow of narcotics, weapons, and the proceeds of illegal activities as they are smuggled into or through New Mexico in passenger buses, passenger trains, commercial vehicles and automobiles.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Jacob Wishard is prosecuting the case.