McALLEN, Texas - A 43-year-old Mexican national has been ordered to federal prison following his conviction of importing 75 kilograms of methamphetamine into the country hidden within a load of squash and cactus, announced U.S. Attorney Kenneth Magidson. Daniel Salvador Gomez-Reyes pleaded guilty Oct. 29, 2015.
Today, U.S. District Judge Randy Crane handed Gomez-Reyes a 72-month sentence, noting the significant weight of the methamphetamine that Gomez-Reyes brought into the United States. As an illegal alien, Gomez-Reyes is expected to face deportation proceedings following his release from prison.
On March 31, 2015, Daniel Salvador Gomez-Reyes was intercepted by federal agents while was driving a semi-truck loaded with squash and cactus into the Pharr port of entry from Mexico. Upon investigation, federal agents soon discovered 75 kilograms of methamphetamine hidden within false compartments in the pallets under the produce. Gomez-Reyes admitted he picked up the narcotics-laden produce under suspicious circumstances in Mexico and that he knew he was importing controlled substances into the U.S.
The estimated value of the load of methamphetamine is estimated to be approximately $1.98 million.
Gomez-Reyes will remain in custody pending transfer to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future.
The charges are the result of an investigation conducted by Homeland Security Investigations and Customs and Border Protection. Assistant U.S. Attorneys David A. Lindenmuth and Alexandro Benavides are prosecuting the case.
Source: U.S. Department of Justice, Office of the United States Attorneys
