Arizona meth conspiracy results in second local federal conviction

CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas - A 55-year-old Corpus Christi resident has pleaded guilty to conspiring to possess with intent to distribute meth, announced U.S. Attorney Jennifer B. Lowery.

As part of his plea, Antonio Montes admitted to being involved in a conspiracy to distribute meth which spanned from March 1 to Oct. 22, 2021. He had agreed to receive packages of meth shipped from Arizona and would receive approximately $200 per box he accepted. 

The investigation began in September 2021. At that time, law enforcement had discovered Montes was receiving parcels containing meth from Phoenix, Arizona, to then be distributed in the Corpus Christi area.

On Oct. 21, 2021, authorities executed a search warrant at a co-conspirator’s residence. There, they found a box containing meth residue. The address written on that box was traced to the residence of Montes which had been delivered there Oct. 5, 2021.

Law enforcement later learned that UPS delivered three packages to Montes. Each contained five pounds of meth and hydroponic marijuana. The delivery service had left the packages on the porch.

U.S. District Judge David S. Morales will impose sentencing on Dec. 21. At that time, Montes faces up to life in prison and a possible $10 million maximum fine.

He was permitted to remain on bond pending that hearing.

Homeland Security Investigations conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney J. Parker Gochenour is prosecuting the case.