Robert J. "Bob" Troester U.S. Attorney | U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Oklahoma
Eighteen individuals have been sentenced to a total of over 278 years in federal prison following the conclusion of a four-year investigation into a drug-trafficking organization that transported liquid methamphetamine from Mexico to Oklahoma and other locations. The group, which included eight Mexican nationals, was responsible for moving more than 35,000 pounds of methamphetamine valued at approximately $64 million into the United States.
U.S. Attorney Robert J. Troester for the Western District of Oklahoma announced the sentences. "The architects of this international drug-trafficking organization, who peddled more than 17 tons of deadly poison from Mexico into the United States, have now been held accountable," said Troester. "Coordinated law enforcement efforts led to the dismantling of this large-scale criminal enterprise and have protected Oklahomans from the death and destruction caused by these drugs. I commend the investigators and prosecutors for their tireless work on this case."
FBI Oklahoma City Special Agent in Charge Doug Goodwater also commented on the operation's outcome: "Collaboration between the FBI and our law enforcement partners is key to disrupting the criminal organizations that pollute our communities with dangerous drugs. By sending 18 associates of this high-volume drug-trafficking operation to prison, there is no question this joint effort has made Oklahoma neighborhoods and citizens much safer."
The investigation reached its peak on December 17, 2024, when seven individuals—including Juan Hernandez Flores and Jessica Guadalupe Muniz from Oklahoma City; Cesar Azamar Aguilar from Mexico; Denis Leal Gutierrez and Adrian Narvaez Cruz from Texas—were charged for their roles in the trafficking operation. Charges ranged from drug conspiracy to money laundering. All five went to trial together and were convicted on all counts after a nine-day jury trial concluded on April 18, 2025.
Evidence presented at trial revealed that since February 2021, members of the organization smuggled liquid methamphetamine concealed in semi-truck gas tanks into the U.S., primarily via two trucking companies operated by Gutierrez—DGC Express Co. and Dare Express Co.—with assistance from Azamar and Narvaez in logistics.
Significant seizures linked to this operation included hundreds of kilograms of methamphetamine across several locations in Oklahoma during 2021–2024. Authorities also confiscated a Freightliner semi-truck, firearms, cash, and real estate connected to those involved.
Further evidence showed extensive money laundering activity orchestrated by family members based in both Mexico and Oklahoma using various financial channels such as CashApp payments and international wire transfers. The group supplied methamphetamine not only within local communities but also to gangs operating inside Oklahoma prisons.
The defendants received sentences ranging from six years up to thirty-five years in federal prison for crimes including drug conspiracy, possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, maintaining drug premises, money laundering conspiracy (both domestic and international), being felons in possession of firearms, among others.
The case was investigated by multiple agencies including the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Oklahoma City Police Department, and the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) under Operation Take Back America—a national initiative led by DOJ and DHS targeting illegal immigration-related crime and transnational criminal organizations.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Thomas Snyder prosecuted the case.
