International Drug Conspiracy Sends Galveston Man to Federal Prison

CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas – A 24-year-old Galveston resident has been sentenced in Corpus Christi federal court for conspiring to possess with intent to distribute almost six kilograms of pure methamphetamine, announced U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Patrick. Francisco Javier Castillo Jr. pleaded guilty Nov. 15, 2018.  

Today, Senior U.S. District Judge John D. Rainey handed Castillo a 157-month sentence to be immediately followed by four years of supervised release. At the hearing, additional evidence was also provided that detailed Castillo’s role within the drug trafficking organization. In handing down the sentence, the court concluded Castillo was a manager or supervisor in a criminal organization that imported methamphetamine from Mexico and that the lengthy sentence was appropriate given the amount of methamphetamine involved.

Authorities had determined Castillo was part of a drug trafficking organization responsible for importing kilograms of methamphetamine into the United States from Mexico. Castillo was responsible for recruiting individuals to drive vehicles loaded with narcotics across the international border. He also supervised the individuals as they drove the narcotics to their ultimate destination within the United States. 

He was ultimately found responsible for the importation and transfer of 5.95 kilograms of pure methamphetamine.

He 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 conducted the investigation with the assistance of Border Patrol. Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert D. Thorpe Jr. prosecuted the case.