Mexican National Pleads Guilty to Importing Meth

LAREDO, Texas – A Mexican man has pleaded guilty to a conspiracy charge for his role in importing methamphetamine into the United States, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Abe Martinez.

On Oct. 8, 2017, Omar Martinez-Cervantes, 34, arrived at the Lincoln Juarez Bridge port of entry in Laredo driving a Chevrolet Cruze. At that time, he claimed to be driving to Houston to visit his family. However, agents soon discovered 20.48 kilograms of methamphetamine within the rocker panels of his vehicle. He initially claimed to have no knowledge of the drugs, however he later stated to agents that he thought he knew who may have put the drugs in the car.

At today’s hearing, he admitted he knowingly imported the methamphetamine into the United States.

Sentencing will be set at a later date before U.S. District Judge Diana Saldana. At that time, Hernandez faces a mandatory minimum of 10 years in federal prison and a possible $10 million fine. He will remain in custody pending that hearing.

Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher A. dos Santos is prosecuting the case.