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Press Release

Cartel member imprisoned for drug trafficking in local neighborhood

For Immediate Release
U.S. Attorney's Office, Southern District of Texas

HOUSTON – A 32-year-old Mexican citizen who illegally resided in Houston has been ordered to federal prison following his conviction for conspiracy to distribute meth during a transaction that occurred in a Houston residential neighborhood, announced US Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani.

Ismael Salas Navarro pleaded guilty Nov. 17, 2022.

Today, U.S. District Judge David Hittner sentenced Navarro to a total of 135 months in federal prison. Not a U.S. citizen, he is expected to face removal proceedings following his imprisonment.

“Mexican cartels and their drugs are not welcome in our cities,” said Hamdani. “Cartels, like the Gulf Cartel, endanger the lives of our citizens and loved ones. Today’s sentence sends a strong message to criminals like Navarro that our communities will not tolerate the scourge of drug traffickers.”

Navarro’s arrest and ultimate conviction stems from an investigation into individuals affiliated with the Gulf Cartel operating in Houston. On Jan. 25, 2021, law enforcement recorded Navarro ordering two kilograms of crystal meth from a co-conspirator. Authorities then watched as the narcotics were delivered to Navarro in a quiet Houston neighborhood.

They took him into custody before he could drive off with the narcotics.

Navarro has been and will remain in custody pending transfer to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future.

The Drug Enforcement Administration, FBI, Houston Police Department, Harris County Precinct 5 Constable’s Office and the Harris County Sheriff’s Office conducted this investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Shelley J. Sullivan prosecuted the case.

Updated May 4, 2023

Topic
Drug Trafficking