Visa holder convicted on drug conspiracy charges

LAREDO, Texas – A 53-year-old Mexican national who was residing in Houston has been convicted of trafficking approximately $650,000 in meth, announced U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani.

A federal jury sitting in Laredo deliberated for less than two hours before convicting Ana Maria Pena Gutierrez on both counts as charged following a two-day trial.

A former member of the conspiracy testified at trial and explained how Pena had hired and paid him to drive vehicles to and from Mexico. He also described he had 60 kilograms of meth on Feb. 25, 2021, which led to his arrest at a Laredo port of entry.

The jury also heard from an expert in financial records describing how irregular Pena’s bank activities were. Law enforcement also testified and detailed Pena’s confession and the entire conspiracy.

The jury heard approximately 100 kilograms of meth could be attributed to Pena which had an estimated street value of $650,000.

Pena attempted to convince the jury she did not know the drivers were transporting drugs into the United States. They did not believe her claims and found her guilty as charged.

U.S. District Judge Diana Saldana presided over the trial and will set sentencing at a later date. At that time, Pena faces up to life in prison as well as a possible $10 million fine. As a visa holder, she could also face removal proceedings.

Homeland Security Investigations conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Matthew Isaac and Jose Angel Moreno prosecuted the case.