Mexican National Convicted of Importing Nearly $2 Million in Meth

McALLEN, Texas – A 43-year-old Mexican national has entered a guilty plea to importing 75 kilograms of methamphetamine into the country hidden within a load of squash and cactus, announced U.S. Attorney Kenneth Magidson.

On March 31, 2015, Daniel Salvador Gomez-Reyes was intercepted by federal agents while was driving a semi-truck loaded with squash and cactus into the Pharr port of entry from Mexico. Upon investigation, federal agents soon discovered 75 kilograms of methamphetamine hidden within false compartments in the pallets under the produce. Gomez-Reyes admitted he picked up the narcotics-laden produce under suspicious circumstances in Mexico and that he knew he was importing controlled substances into the U.S.

The estimated value of the load of methamphetamine is estimated to be approximately $1.98 million.

U.S. District Judge Randy Crane, accepted the plea and has sentencing for Jan. 14, 2016. At that time, Gomez-Reyes faces up to life in federal prison. He will remain in custody pending that hearing.

The charges are the result of an investigation conducted by Homeland Security Investigations and Customs and Border Protection. Assistant U.S. Attorneys David A. Lindenmuth and Alexandro Benavides are prosecuting the case.