A Harlingen resident has been convicted for his role in a drug trafficking operation linked to the Sinaloa Cartel, according to an announcement from U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei. A federal jury found 51-year-old Jimenez James Love guilty of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine and fentanyl after less than an hour of deliberation following a two-day trial.
“For too long, the Sinaloa Cartel and other foreign terrorist organizations relied on drug couriers to finance their campaigns of violence and terror. That ends now,” said Ganjei. “By transporting the hidden narcotics, Love engaged in the calculated deception cartels have used to flood our streets with these poisons. His conviction demonstrates my office’s resolve to dismantle the financial networks that sustain these terrorists.”
The investigation began on June 30, 2021, when law enforcement officials discovered that Love was transporting methamphetamine and fentanyl concealed in the gas tank of his girlfriend’s vehicle. During a traffic stop, authorities found approximately 11 kilograms of methamphetamine and over five kilograms of fentanyl.
Testimony during the trial indicated that Love was hired as a driver by the Sinaloa Cartel, and his shipment was just one among many sent by this part of the organization. Witnesses noted that there were so many shipments it was impossible to determine an exact number. Evidence showed that just one load of fentanyl carried by Love contained more than two million potentially lethal doses.
The defense argued that Love was not involved in ongoing drug trafficking activities, but jurors rejected those claims and returned a guilty verdict on both counts.
U.S. District Judge Drew B. Tipton presided over the trial and scheduled sentencing for April 17. At sentencing, Love could face up to life imprisonment and fines totaling $10 million.
The case resulted from an investigation conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration, Texas Department of Public Safety, and Customs and Border Protection. Assistant U.S. Attorney Patti Hubert Booth prosecuted the case.
