California Man Sentenced to 10 Years for Trafficking Methamphetamine from California to Virginia

HARRISONBURG, Va.. – A California man, who admitted to trafficking more than 100 pounds of methamphetamine more than 2,500 miles from California to Virginia, was sentenced recently to 10 years in federal prison.

Raul Valencia Gonzalez, 40, previously pled guilty to possession with the intent to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine.

According to court documents, in 2024 Gonzalez drove more than 2,500 miles in a vehicle filled with approximately 105 pounds  of methamphetamine from California to Virginia for the purpose of transporting drugs for sale in connection with a larger drug trafficking organization. Court documents state that the methamphetamine was hidden in the trunk and under the driver’s seat. The Government also stated in a sentencing memorandum that Gonzalez had photographs of what appeared to be methamphetamine and cocaine on his cell phone.

Gonzalez has admitted to being paid $4,000 to act as a courier for these drugs.

Acting United States Attorney Zachary T. Lee and Ibrar A. Mian, Special Agent in Charge for the DEA Washington Division made the announcement.

The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration investigated the case for the United States.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Sean Welsh and Vito A. Iaia prosecuted the case for the United States.