Two Kilos of Pure Meth Lands Couple in Federal Prison

CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas – A couple from South Texas have been handed significant sentences following their convictions of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine, announced U.S. Attorney Kenneth Magidson. Pedro Candelaria, 24, of Pharr, and Cynthia Marez, 31, of McAllen, pleaded guilty June 4, 2015, and March 5, 2015, respectively.

Today, U.S. District Judge Nelva Gonzales Ramos sentenced Candelaria to 156 months in federal prison, while Marez was ordered to serve a 84-month-term of imprisonment. Both were also ordered to serve five years of supervised release following their sentences.

In January 2015, Border Patrol (BP) agents conducted an inspection of a passenger bus that arrived at the Falfurrias checkpoint. During that inspection, they discovered several vacuum-sealed bags strapped to Marez’s body which contained approximately 2.2 kilograms of methamphetamine. The investigation also led to the arrest of Candelaria who had been Traveling with Marez. Laboratory analysis determined that the methamphetamine had a purity level of 97%.

In federal custody since their arrests, Candelaria and Marez will remain in custody and serve their sentences at a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility to be designated in the near future.

The convictions stem from an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration and BP. Assistant U.S. Attorney Lance Watt is prosecuting the case.