A man from Del Rio, Texas, has been sentenced in federal court to 24 years in prison for trafficking methamphetamine. The sentencing followed a joint investigation by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). Leonardo Estrada, aged 41, admitted to being involved in drug trafficking activities since 2021 and pleaded guilty on May 22, 2023.
ICE Homeland Security Investigations San Antonio Special Agent in Charge Craig Larrabee stated, "Today’s sentencing highlights the serious consequences for those who traffic in methamphetamine, a drug that wreaks havoc on individuals and communities alike. HSI remains steadfast in its mission to disrupt drug trafficking networks and prevent the spread of methamphetamine across the country."
Court documents reveal that on February 15, 2023, Estrada was stopped at a U.S. Border Patrol checkpoint on Highway 277 near Eagle Pass, Texas. A dog at the checkpoint alerted agents to the driver’s side of his vehicle. Upon inspection, authorities found two plastic bundles wrapped in tape beneath the carpet behind the gas and brake pedals. One bundle tested positive for 790 grams of methamphetamine, while the other contained marijuana.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Warsame Galaydh for the Western District of Texas. Estrada was arrested on the same day as the checkpoint inspection, February 15, 2023.
