Mexican Citizen Pleads Guilty to Importing Meth

LAREDO, Texas – A 57-year old Mexican citizen faces up to life in prison after pleading guilty to conspiracy and importation of more than 50 kilograms of methamphetamine, announced U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Patrick.

On July 12, 2019, Oscar Javier Villagomez-Palacios attempted entry into the United States at the Lincoln Juarez Bridge #1 in Laredo, driving an Audi Q5. During a secondary inspection, a narcotics detection dog alerted to the presence of an odor emitting from the tires of the vehicle. Authorities conducted an X-ray examination and discovered anomalies in all four tires. Further inspection revealed non-factory compartments around the rim of the tires containing a crystalline substance, which field-tested positive for methamphetamine with a total weight of 50.46 kilograms.

The drugs have an estimated street value of $700,000.

U.S. District Judge Diana Saldaña will impose sentencing at a later date. At that time, Villagomez-Palacios faces up to life in prison and a possible $10 million maximum fine.

He has been and will remain in custody pending that hearing.

Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations conducted the investigation with the assistance of Customs and Border Protection. Assistant U.S. Attorney Mary McAuliffe is prosecuting the case.