South Texas Woman Pleads Guilty in Attempt to Smuggle Meth Through Checkpoint

CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas – A 44-year-old Lyford woman has entered a guilty plea to possessing with the intent to distribute more than 26 kilograms of methamphetamine, announced U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Patrick.

On April 17, 2019, Jacqueline Barrera drove a white Mitsubishi Lancer into the primary inspection area of the Border Patrol Checkpoint located near Sarita. A search of the vehicle revealed bundles of methamphetamine concealed within speaker boxes in the trunk of the car.  

A sentencing hearing was scheduled for Sept. 12, 2019, before United States District Judge David S. Morales. At that time, Barrera faces a minimum of 10 years and up to life in federal prison and a possible $10 million fine.

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

The Drug Enforcement Administration with the assistance of Border Patrol. Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert D. Thorpe Jr. is prosecuting the case.