Mexican National Arrested in New Mexico Following DEA Seizure of Nearly Five-Pounds of Methamphetamine

ALBUQUERQUE – Ricardo Garcia-Solis, 29, a Mexican national illegally in the United States, made his initial appearance this morning in federal court in Albuquerque, N.M., on a methamphetamine trafficking charge. Garcia-Solis remains in federal custody pending a preliminary hearing and a detention hearing, both of which are scheduled for tomorrow.

Garcia-Solis is charged in a criminal complaint with possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute following his arrest on June 24, 2017, at the Greyhound Bus Station in Albuquerque. The DEA arrested Garcia-Solis after agents allegedly found approximately 2.2 kilograms (4.85 pounds) of methamphetamine in his baggage during a consensual search.

If convicted on the charge in the criminal complaint, Garcia-Solis faces a statutory mandatory minimum penalty of ten years to a maximum of life in prison. Charges in criminal complaints are merely accusations, and defendants are presumed innocent unless found guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

This case was investigated by the Albuquerque office of the DEA and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Howard R. Thomas.