Jury finds Mexican duo guilty of importing over 900 pounds of liquid meth

LAREDO, Texas – Two men have been convicted of importing nearly $1 million worth of meth, announced U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani.

The federa jury deliberated for approximately 10 minutes before returning guilty verdicts against Noe Jesus Martinez-Montelongo, 35, and Fidel Rodriguez-Saldana, 34, following a three-day trial.   

On Nov. 28, 2022, Martinez and Saldana attempted to enter the United States at the Columbia Solidarity port of entry in Laredo, driving a tractor-trailer without a load. Authorities referred them to secondary inspection where a K-9 alerted to the tractor.  

Law enforcement conducted a scope and discovered a secret compartment in each diesel tank of the tractor. Authorities were able to extract some of the liquid which tested positive for meth.

They ultimately seized a total of 413 kilograms (910 pounds) of liquid meth which filled 22 buckets.

The estimated wholesale value is approximately $1 million.  

Martinez and Saldana claimed no knowledge of the liquid at trial, reporting that they were simply supposed to pick up a legitimate load in Laredo. The jury did not believe their claims and found them guilty as charged.

U.S. District Judge Diana Saldana will impose sentencing at a later date. At that time, both Martinez and Saldana face up to life in prison. They will remain in custody pending that hearing.

Homeland Security Investigations conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Michael Makens and Brandon Bowling are prosecuting the case.