Mathis woman admits to trafficking meth through the mail

CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas – A 45-year-old woman has pleaded guilty to conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute liquid meth, announced U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani.

The investigation into Elena Barrera began in November 2020 when authorities learned of a parcel containing liquid meth that was being shipped from Mexico to Mathis. Law enforcement intercepted the package and found it contained approximately seven kilograms of liquid meth concealed within shampoo bottles. They conducted a controlled delivery at the post office and Barrera picked up the package.

As part of her plea, Barrera admitted to using the mail to receive multiple other packages of narcotics and to recruiting others to retrieve packages of narcotics for her.  

U.S. District Judge David S. Morales will impose sentencing Jan. 30, 2024. At that time, Barrera faces up to life in federal prison and a possible $10 million maximum fine.

Barrera was permitted to remain on bond pending that hearing.

Texas Department of Public Safety and Homeland Security Investigations conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Tyler Foster is prosecuting the case.