Importer of Crystal Methamphetamine Sentenced to Federal Prison

LAREDO, Texas – A 20-year-old man has been ordered to prison following his conviction of conspiring to import nearly four kilograms of crystal methamphetamine, announced U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Patrick. Mark Gurrola, of Dallas, pleaded guilty Jan. 9, 2018.

Today, U.S. District Judge Marina Garcia Marmolejo ordered him to serve a total of 78 months in prison. In handing down the sentence, the court noted the serious problems methamphetamine causes for users and the surrounding communities.

On Oct. 14, 2017, Gurrola applied for entry into the United States from Mexico as a passenger on a commercial bus. Agents observed him acting suspicious and searched the area around him. Authorities located four bundles containing crystal methamphetamine.  

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

Customs and Border Protection and Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations conducted the investigation.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Giselle S. Guerra prosecuted the case.