A U.S. citizen living in Reynosa, Mexico, has pleaded guilty to possessing methamphetamine with the intent to distribute, according to an announcement from U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei.
Marco Antonio Rodriguez, 20, was stopped on April 25 at the Falfurrias Border Patrol checkpoint while driving a Ford Escape. He told authorities he was traveling to Corpus Christi to look for work but did not have any personal belongings or tools in his vehicle.
An x-ray scan of the car revealed unusual features in the rear quarter panels. Law enforcement found aftermarket compartments containing 90 black bundles of methamphetamine wrapped in clear cellophane. The total weight of the drugs was 47.5 kilograms and laboratory analysis showed a purity level of 99%.
Rodriguez admitted as part of his plea that he had picked up the vehicle from a home in Reynosa one day before arriving at the border checkpoint. He acknowledged knowing about the drugs and said he intended to deliver the vehicle for unloading in Corpus Christi.
U.S. District Judge Ramos is scheduled to sentence Rodriguez on February 11, 2026. Rodriguez could face up to life in federal prison and a fine of up to $250,000.
Rodriguez remains in custody until his sentencing hearing.
The investigation was conducted by Border Patrol and the Drug Enforcement Administration. Assistant U.S. Attorney Joseph Griffith prosecuted the case.
