by Men Charged in Federal Court for Allegedly Delivering Drugs from Durango, Mexico, to Undercover DEA Agents
EL PASO, Texas (Border Report) – Two men are facing charges after allegedly delivering 66.1 pounds of methamphetamine to an undercover Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) agent in the parking lot of an IHOP restaurant in New Mexico.
According to court documents, a source of supply in Durango, Mexico, was attempting to distribute 30 kilos of meth in the United States. The source initiated contact with an undercover DEA agent who posed as a buyer. The trafficker agreed to sell the drugs at a wholesale price of $75,000 and arranged for the delivery to take place in the parking lot of the International House of Pancakes in Roswell, New Mexico.
On the designated day, a silver Chevrolet Suburban arrived at the meeting location at 11:30 a.m. Two men, later identified as Luis Raul Garcia and Manuel Ignacio Ibarra Lucero, approached the undercover DEA agents in a parked vehicle, believing it to be the buyer. The agents observed six bundles of methamphetamine inside the Suburban and promptly arrested the men.
Garcia and Ibarra are now facing charges of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. A federal complaint filed in U.S. District Court for the District of New Mexico on January 10th reveals that the two men admitted to being paid to deliver the drugs. On January 16th, they waived their right to a detention hearing in U.S. District Court in Las Cruces, New Mexico.
The incident highlights ongoing efforts by law enforcement agencies to combat drug trafficking across the U.S.-Mexico border. The DEA, in collaboration with other agencies, continues to employ undercover operations to identify and apprehend individuals involved in the distribution of illegal substances.
This case serves as a reminder of the importance of border security and the ongoing challenges faced by law enforcement in preventing the transportation of narcotics into the United States. By intercepting large quantities of drugs, authorities are able to disrupt criminal networks and protect communities from the harmful effects of drug abuse.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office remains committed to prosecuting individuals involved in drug trafficking and ensuring that justice is served. The successful collaboration between the DEA and other agencies demonstrates the effectiveness of these joint efforts in safeguarding our communities and upholding the law.
