LAREDO, Texas - A 50-year-old Mexican national is set to appear in federal court on charges he imported methamphetamine and heroin into the country, announced U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Patrick. Fernando Anaya-Bautista is also charged with one count of conspiracy.
A federal grand jury returned the three-count indictment June 18, 2019, against Fernando Anaya-Bautista. He is set to appear for his arraignment before U.S. Magistrate Judge Diana Song Quiroga at 1:00 p.m. today.
Originally charged by criminal complaint, Anaya-Bautista allegedly attempted to enter the United States at the Colombia Solidarity International Bridge in Laredo May 23, 2019, driving a tractor-trailer. Following a positive K-9 alert and x-ray examination, authorities located 12 bundles of methamphetamine weighing approximately 11 kilograms along with one package of heroin with a weight of 1.06 kilograms, according to the charges. They were all allegedly located in a speaker box inside the truck.
If convicted, Anaya-Bautista faces up to life in prison and a possible $10 million fine.
Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations conducted the investigation with assistance from CBP. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jennifer Day is prosecuting the case.
An indictment is a formal accusation of criminal conduct, not evidence.
A defendant is presumed innocent unless convicted through due process of law.
Source: U.S. Department of Justice, Office of the United States Attorneys
