Ismael Delgado-Celis, a 37-year-old Mexican national living illegally in Hazlehurst, Georgia, has been sentenced to 215 months in federal prison for possession and attempted possession with intent to distribute more than four pounds of pure methamphetamine. The sentencing took place on August 28, 2025, before Judge Lisa Godbey Wood in Brunswick, Georgia.
Delgado-Celis was convicted following a jury trial in the Southern District of Georgia. Evidence presented at trial showed that on September 12, 2024, he attempted to receive a package from Mexico that appeared to contain a horse saddle. Law enforcement discovered over two kilograms of pure methamphetamine hidden inside the saddle. Agents removed the drugs before delivering the package as part of a controlled operation using the United States Postal Service. Delgado-Celis accepted and stored the package at his residence before being arrested.
Authorities described the method used to smuggle the drugs as sophisticated, noting that the horse saddle had been constructed around the drug package.
United States Attorney Margaret E. Heap commented: “Methamphetamine destroys lives, families, and communities. This amount of methamphetamine could have devastated the community. I am pleased to work with such great law enforcement partners. It takes a network of law enforcement professionals to dismantle a network of criminals.”
Steven N. Schrank, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in Georgia and Alabama, said: “The sentencing of Delgado-Celis underscores the unwavering commitment of Homeland Security Investigations to protect our communities from the devastating impact of drug trafficking. Smuggling pure methamphetamine hidden in a horse saddle and shipping it across the country is not only brazen but deeply harmful to the safety and well-being of our communities. This case is a testament to the tireless efforts of HSI and our law enforcement partners to ensure that those who seek to flood our streets with dangerous drugs are held accountable. We will continue to pursue justice and dismantle criminal networks wherever they operate.”
Jae W. Chung, Acting Special Agent in Charge of DEA Atlanta Division stated: “Using a shipping service to traffic dangerous drugs not only threatens our communities but also places unsuspecting workers at risk. DEA investigators remain committed to intercepting these packages and stopping the poison before it reaches the streets.”
Rodney M. Hopkins, Inspector in Charge of USPS Atlanta Division added: “Postal Inspectors will continue to support our law enforcement partners in the removal of lethal and dangerous drugs to keep communities safe.”
The investigation involved several agencies including Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), Customs and Border Protection (CBP), and Jeff Davis Sheriff’s Office. Assistant United States Attorney Ryan Bondura and Deputy Criminal Chief E. Greg Gilluly Jr., prosecuted this case for the Southern District of Georgia.
