Roma man admits to trafficking $33 million in marijuana

McALLEN, Texas – A 34-year-old local man has been convicted of drug trafficking after trying to escape drug house through an attic vent, announced U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani.

Adan Ontiveros Jr. pleaded guilty to conspiring to possess with the intent to distribute nearly 2,500 kilograms of marijuana.

On July 16, 2020, law enforcement was conducting surveillance at a suspected drug house in Roma. There, they saw a man - Ontiveros - attempting to discretely exit the residence. He was trying to escape via an attic vent. However, authorities quickly took him into custody.  

They obtained a search warrant and ultimately discovered several hundred bundles of marijuana. The total weight was 2,477 kilograms with an approximate value of more than $33 million.

He admitted he was aware there was marijuana inside the stash house.

U.S. District Judge Richardo Hinojosa will impose sentencing July 27. At that time, Ontiveros faces up to life in prison as well as a maximum $10 million possible fine.

The Texas Department of Public Safety and the Drug Enforcement Administration conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Matthew Phelps and Roberto Lopez Jr. are prosecuting the case.