Largest Methamphetamine Seizure in Corpus Christi Division Results in Federal Indictment

CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas – A grand jury sitting in Corpus Christi has returned an indictment against a California man for conspiring to possess with intent to distribute 132 kilograms of methamphetamine, announced U.S. Attorney Kenneth Magidson. This is believed to be the largest seizure of methamphetamine ever in the Corpus Christi Division.

The indictment against Deandre Bennett, 57, of San Bernadino, California, was returned today. He is expected to make his initial appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge Jason Libby next week, at which time the government expects to request his continued detention pending further criminal proceedings.

Bennett is charged with conspiring to possess with intent to distribute 132 kilograms of a mixture or substance containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine on Dec. 2, 2015. If convicted, he faces a minimum of 10 years and up to life in federal prison as well as a possible $10 million fine.

This charges are the result of an investigation through a joint effort by Homeland Security Investigations, Texas Department of Public Safety, Kingsville Specialized Crimes and Narcotics Task Force, Kleberg County District Attorney’s Office, U.S. Customs and Border Protection and the U.S. Marshals Service.

Special Assistant U.S. Brittany Jensen is prosecuting the case.

An indictment is a formal accusation of criminal conduct, not evidence. 
A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until convicted through due process of law.